Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
I absolutely love this meatloaf recipe because it’s a comforting twist on a classic that perfectly balances the savory flavors of beef, stuffing, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, which means I can whip up a delicious, nostalgic meal without spending ages in the kitchen!
I adore crafting recipes that merge superb taste with great convenience, which is why this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is such a perfect dish for me. It uses just one pound of ground beef, a box of Stove Top Stuffing mix, and a few other simple (but essential!) ingredients to create a comforting, flavor-rich, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
Beef makes a substantial contribution to both protein and iron.
It is the main ingredient in a variety of very flavorful sauces.
Carbohydrates and herbs boost the flavor and texture of Stove Top Stuffing Mix.
Bind ingredients together.
Add protein and richness.
That’s what an egg does in your recipe.
Adds sweetness and tang that offer a classic meatloaf taste: Ketchup.
Onion: Boosts dimension with its innate sweetness and delightful savory taste.
Powdered garlic: For a balanced taste, adds the aromatic, earthy, and slightly sweet notes of garlic.
Barbecue Sauce: Optional for imparting a smokily sweet twist.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 box (6 ounces) Stove Top Stuffing Mix, any flavor
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up. Get a loaf pan and apply a little grease to it, so the bread will not stick to the pan when it is time to get the loaf out.
2. In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, and water.
3. Incorporate the eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and the onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the blend.
4. Incorporate the barbecue sauce into the mixture for added flavor, if using.
5. Thoroughly combine all components until they exhibit a uniform mixture; take care not to overmix, since doing so will affect the texture of the meatloaf, making it denser and chewier.
6. Place the meat mixture in the ready loaf pan, pressing evenly to mold it into a loaf shape.
7. Evenly distribute the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
8. Put the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. The finished bread’s internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C).
9. When finished, take the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into pieces.
10. Enjoy the meatloaf warm, served with your favorite sides.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Loaf pan
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or spatula
9. Meat thermometer
FAQ
- Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of this meatloaf.
- What can I use if I don’t have eggs?Substituting eggs in recipes can be achieved using these methods: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?When a meat thermometer indicates that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C), the meat is done.
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?Certainly, it is acceptable to prepare the mixture up to 24 hours prior to baking and refrigerate it.
- Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?Of course! Let the meatloaf cool down completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for no more than 3 months.
- Is the barbecue sauce necessary?No, the barbecue sauce is optional but enhances the flavor considerably. You can omit it or substitute it with additional ketchup if you prefer.
- What side dishes pair well with this meatloaf?Excellent accompaniments include mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad.
Substitutions and Variations
Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken to achieve a lighter alternative.
Stuffing Mix for Stove Top: Create your own stuffing mix with a combination of breadcrumbs and homemade poultry seasoning.
Beef broth: For added flavor, replace with water.
Ketchup: Substitute by blending a little vinegar and sugar with tomato sauce or tomato paste.
Barbecue Sauce: For a different flavor profile, use honey mustard or hoisin sauce.
Shallots or leeks can be used for a flavor closer to that of onion but milder.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used, about 2 cloves for each 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Pro Tips
1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures it’s cooked through without overbaking.
2. Soak the Stuffing Mix: Before adding the stuffing mix to the meat, soak it in the cup of water for a few minutes. This helps the mix absorb moisture and integrate more smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a more tender meatloaf.
3. Add a Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, consider mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the meat mixture. These can enhance the savory taste of the meatloaf without being overpowering.
4. Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, making it more moist and easier to slice.
5. Customize the Topping: If you enjoy a glaze with a bit more kick, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of hot sauce with the remaining ketchup for a sweet and spicy topping that caramelizes nicely in the oven.
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
My favorite Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Loaf pan
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or spatula
9. Meat thermometer
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 box (6 ounces) Stove Top Stuffing Mix, any flavor
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up. Get a loaf pan and apply a little grease to it, so the bread will not stick to the pan when it is time to get the loaf out.
2. In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, and water.
3. Incorporate the eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and the onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the blend.
4. Incorporate the barbecue sauce into the mixture for added flavor, if using.
5. Thoroughly combine all components until they exhibit a uniform mixture; take care not to overmix, since doing so will affect the texture of the meatloaf, making it denser and chewier.
6. Place the meat mixture in the ready loaf pan, pressing evenly to mold it into a loaf shape.
7. Evenly distribute the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
8. Put the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. The finished bread’s internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C).
9. When finished, take the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into pieces.
10. Enjoy the meatloaf warm, served with your favorite sides.
