When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the classic meatloaf. However, this Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe takes a beloved family favorite and gives it an effortless twist, combining the savory goodness of meatloaf with the herb-infused flavor of stovetop stuffing. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a rich, satisfying meal packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is a surefire way to please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 cup ketchup, divided (½ cup for the meatloaf and ½ cup for the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with a double layer of aluminum foil, leaving a 3-inch overhang on the long sides for easy removal later. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray and place the loaf pan on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, water, egg, salt, poultry seasoning, and ½ cup of ketchup. Mix the ingredients with your hands until they are evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape and Bake:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the top is browned and the sides are bubbling.
- Make the Ketchup Glaze:
- While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of ketchup and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Continue Baking:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup glaze evenly over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf registers 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Use the aluminum foil overhang to carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice the meatloaf into 8 pieces and serve.
Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic with a Twist
This Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is a perfect combination of traditional flavors with a modern twist. By incorporating stuffing mix into the meatloaf, the recipe elevates the flavor and texture, making it more flavorful, moist, and tender. The dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s a simple, one-pan recipe with minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This meatloaf requires minimal prep time and is ready to serve in just under an hour.
- Rich Flavor: The stovetop stuffing adds layers of seasoning that go beyond the traditional meatloaf, offering a more complex taste.
- Minimal Ingredients: You’ll need only a few ingredients to whip up this dish, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is kid-friendly and a crowd favorite, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Detailed Ingredients Information
- Ground Beef: The base of the recipe, you can choose 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner options like 90/10 can be used for a healthier alternative.
- Stovetop Stuffing Mix: The star ingredient that adds depth, seasoning, and texture to the meatloaf. You can use any flavor of stovetop stuffing mix, like chicken or herb, depending on your preference.
- Water: Helps hydrate the stuffing mix, ensuring the meatloaf stays moist and tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
- Salt & Poultry Seasoning: Essential for seasoning and adding flavor complexity.
- Ketchup: Used both in the meatloaf mixture and as a glaze, adding sweetness and moisture. The ketchup glaze on top caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Brown Sugar: Mixed with ketchup for the glaze, giving a perfect sweet-savory topping to the meatloaf.
Preparation Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough texture. For best results, use your hands to mix just until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings and prevent your oven from getting messy.
- Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it more moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Serve your stovetop stuffing meatloaf with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Make it a Sandwich: Use leftovers to make a delicious meatloaf sandwich. Add a slice of meatloaf between two pieces of toasted bread with a little extra ketchup for an easy lunch the next day.
- Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to get creative by adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meatloaf for extra nutrition. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatloaf by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a fresh layer of ketchup glaze before reheating for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add a layer of shredded cheese in the middle or top of the meatloaf before glazing for a cheesy twist.
- BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
The addition of stovetop stuffing mix is what sets this meatloaf recipe apart from more traditional versions. Rather than using breadcrumbs or oats, the stuffing mix brings its own blend of seasonings, herbs, and textures, eliminating the need for multiple spices and extra ingredients. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also simplifies the preparation process, allowing you to create a delicious meatloaf with fewer steps.
A Family-Friendly Dish:
Meatloaf is often thought of as a nostalgic dish that reminds people of home-cooked meals from their childhood. This version adds a modern touch while still maintaining that comforting, homey feel. The recipe is versatile enough to appeal to both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. Plus, leftovers are perfect for easy meal prep throughout the week, whether served as-is or turned into sandwiches.
Health Considerations:
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, there are a few simple swaps you can make:
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for leaner ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Reduce Sugar: The ketchup glaze calls for brown sugar, but you can reduce the amount or use a sugar-free ketchup alternative for a lower sugar option.
- Add Vegetables: You can also sneak in grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach for an added boost of nutrition without compromising the texture or flavor of the meatloaf.
Elevate the Presentation:
While meatloaf is typically thought of as a casual dish, you can elevate its presentation for special occasions. Try shaping the meatloaf into mini-loaves or muffins for individual servings, or serve it with gourmet sides like garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh arugula salad for a more elegant touch. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
One of the best things about this stovetop stuffing meatloaf is its suitability for meal prep. Not only can you make a large batch and freeze individual portions for later, but it also reheats beautifully. This makes it a great option for busy weeks when you want to prepare ahead and have nutritious, home-cooked meals ready to go.
Ideal for Potlucks and Gatherings:
If you’re hosting a family gathering or potluck, this meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that travels well and stays warm for long periods. Its robust flavors and comforting texture are sure to make it a hit, and it’s easy to serve to a large group. You can even bake it in a larger pan and cut it into smaller squares for bite-sized servings.
Conclusion:
This Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is a fantastic fusion of convenience, flavor, and nostalgia. It offers all the comforts of traditional meatloaf with the added ease of using stovetop stuffing mix for seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a reliable weeknight meal or a dish that will impress your family and friends, this recipe fits the bill. Its rich flavor, tender texture, and customizable options make it a go-to recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this dish is loved by so many home cooks!