This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a timeless classic. By using seasoned stuffing mix, you get a flavorful, moist meatloaf with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners. The stuffing adds a depth of herbs and texture, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional meatloaf or looking for a new way to shake things up, this recipe brings all the comfort and flavor of home-cooked meals without the stress. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for a complete and cozy dinner experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
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1 box (6 oz) Stove Top Stuffing mix (any flavor)
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1 cup water
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine Stove Top Stuffing mix with 1 cup of water and let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
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Add ground beef, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
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Mix gently until all ingredients are combined—avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender.
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Press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Spread a layer of ketchup over the top for extra flavor and moisture.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food recipe—quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for busy families or cozy nights in. By combining seasoned stuffing mix with ground beef and simple pantry staples, you create a flavorful, moist, and tender meatloaf that’s anything but ordinary. This recipe has risen in popularity due to its convenience and nostalgic taste, providing a delicious twist on the traditional meatloaf.
What sets this meatloaf apart is the use of Stove Top stuffing, which replaces the usual breadcrumbs or crackers. This pre-seasoned mix comes loaded with herbs, savory flavor, and a texture that binds the meat without drying it out. It also cuts down prep time because you’re not measuring multiple spices or chopping ingredients—just mix and bake.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the unexpected richness brought by the stuffing mix. The stuffing serves two major roles: it binds the meat together and injects flavor throughout. Traditional meatloaf recipes often require a long list of herbs and spices, but using a stuffing mix condenses that process into one ingredient.
The ketchup glaze on top is a timeless addition that adds both moisture and a slight tangy sweetness to balance the savory beef. This glaze caramelizes slightly in the oven, forming a tasty crust that seals in the juices. And because this version is oven-baked, you get that homey smell wafting through your kitchen—always a good sign of comfort food in progress.
A Perfect Recipe for Beginners and Busy Families
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and hard to mess up, which makes it an ideal entry point for beginner cooks. Whether you’re a college student cooking on your own for the first time, a parent juggling work and weeknight dinners, or someone cooking for a crowd, this recipe delivers.
It also stores well, which makes it a meal prep favorite. You can double the batch and freeze a loaf for later. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches, sliders, or chopped and mixed into pasta or rice dishes for quick lunches.
Customizing Your Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Another major advantage of this recipe is how easily you can customize it based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular adaptations:
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Add-ins: Diced onions, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even chopped spinach can be mixed in to boost nutrition and flavor.
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Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) to the mixture or even a melted cheese layer in the middle.
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Meat Mix: Combine ground beef with ground pork or turkey to change the flavor profile or lower the fat content.
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Toppings: Instead of the classic ketchup glaze, try BBQ sauce, tomato paste mixed with honey, or a mustard-based topping for something different.
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Herbs and Spices: Although the stuffing mix already contains seasoning, you can still add fresh garlic, Italian herbs, or chili flakes for a flavor boost.
What to Serve with Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Pairing is important when it comes to meatloaf, especially one this rich and savory. Here are a few popular side options that complement the dish beautifully:
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Mashed Potatoes: The classic partner. Creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the juices from the meatloaf and ketchup glaze.
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Green Beans or Asparagus: A crisp, lightly seasoned green vegetable balances the richness of the meat.
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Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips roasted with olive oil and herbs are an easy and healthy pairing.
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Mac and Cheese: For an ultra-comforting, kid-friendly combo.
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Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: These sides are great for scooping up extra sauce or for making leftover meatloaf sandwiches.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This meatloaf is just as good on the second day, making it a great make-ahead dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
To reheat, you can place slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole loaf in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Why Stove Top Stuffing is the Secret Weapon
Stove Top stuffing is more than just a holiday side—it’s a kitchen shortcut with a lot of flavor. It comes in various flavors like turkey, chicken, and savory herbs, which means you can subtly change your meatloaf’s taste depending on which one you choose.
Using Stove Top stuffing in meatloaf also saves time and reduces the number of ingredients you have to buy and measure. This makes it a great recipe for those looking to cook at home without a lot of hassle, or for those wanting a fast and reliable dinner option.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
If you’re feeding picky eaters, this is a safe bet. Kids tend to love the familiar flavor of ketchup and beef, and the meatloaf’s soft, easy-to-eat texture makes it a hit. For larger gatherings, you can easily double or triple the recipe and bake it in a larger dish or form individual mini meatloaves using a muffin tin for quicker baking.
Nutritional Insight
This recipe balances protein and carbs nicely, with relatively few added ingredients. It’s not the lightest meal, but it’s hearty and filling—perfect for when you need something that sticks to your ribs. You can modify it by using lean ground turkey or adding extra veggies to improve the nutritional profile.
Conclusion
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. The stuffing mix adds an unbeatable depth of flavor, making this meatloaf moist and seasoned from the inside out, all while saving you valuable prep time.
Whether you’re a meatloaf enthusiast or someone who’s never tried making it from scratch, this version is approachable and packed with comfort. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the leftovers, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to recipe that your whole household looks forward to.
This dish is proof that even humble ingredients like ground beef and boxed stuffing can come together to create something truly delicious. It’s a reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated—they just need heart, flavor, and the right combination of ingredients.