A quick and easy family dinner recipe!
The idea of shaping ground beef into a loaf always felt uninspired—until I tried this version. If you like Stove Top Stuffing, this recipe will win you over. That boxed stuffing adds lots of flavor and texture, and combining just four inexpensive ingredients creates a tasty change from the usual steak or chicken dinner.
Serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a simple weeknight supper.
This easy meatloaf recipe turned out moist and flavorful, and my husband went back for seconds—my usual test for whether a dish is a keeper. We paired it with store-bought mashed potatoes and green beans for an effortless weeknight meal.
Quick & Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
How To Not Screw It Up
- Use higher-fat ground beef if possible, since the stuffing absorbs moisture. If you use lean beef, add a splash of water, milk, or an extra egg to keep it from drying out.
- Any stuffing flavor works, but Stove Top is convenient and the box size mixes well with 1 pound of beef.
- Swap ketchup for barbecue or chili sauce if you prefer, or use a blend of sauces for more flavor.
- To elevate the loaf, add diced onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, spices, or shredded cheese to the mixture.
Step 1In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently until evenly combined; avoid overworking the meat so the loaf stays tender.
Step 2Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. If you don’t have one, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Smooth the top and spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the surface.
Step 3Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to ensure there is no pink remaining and the juices run clear.
Step 4Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This brief rest helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
The Best Meatloaf Recipe (Made With Stove Top Stuffing)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef *see notes
- 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350° F.
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In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup until just combined.
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Place the mixture into a greased loaf pan or form a loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet. Fold the foil edges up to contain the juices for easier cleanup.
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Spread the remaining ketchup on top. You can also use barbecue or chili sauce, or a combination.
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Bake 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
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Let the meatloaf rest about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Higher-fat ground beef gives the best texture because the stuffing soaks up moisture. If using lean beef, add a splash of water, milk, or an extra egg to keep the loaf moist.
- To boost flavor, stir in diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, spices, or fresh herbs before baking.
Helpful Tips
The Best Way To Reheat Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 250ºF.
- Place leftover slices in a shallow dish.
- Optionally pour about 1 tablespoon of beef broth over each slice to retain moisture.
- Cover with foil and warm in the oven for 20–25 minutes.
- Alternatively, reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How To Freeze Leftover Meatloaf
- Slice the loaf into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil. Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag.
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat wrapped slices in a dish at 350ºF for 18–25 minutes, or until heated through.
