Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
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Unlike any meatloaf you’ve ever tasted, this Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is the comfort food you didn’t know you were missing. Packed with juicy beef and savory stuffing mix, all topped off with BBQ sauce, it’s a delicious twist that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Easy stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe
Who says meatloaf has to be boring? With this recipe, we ditch the traditional breadcrumbs and use savory stovetop stuffing mix instead. The juicy ground beef and chopped onion make it super flavorful and hearty, while a layer of BBQ sauce on top adds just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite is packed with that perfect blend of herbs and spices from the stuffing, making this meatloaf anything but ordinary.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a delicious meatloaf like my classic Homemade Meatloaf and this Mini Meatloaf recipe. But with this version, the stuffing mix adds extra flavor that will take your meatloaf game to the next level.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Tasty twist – This delicious recipe creates a truly unique spin on the classic recipe. Using stovetop stuffing packs every bite with flavor you won’t find in any other meatloaf.
- Easy dinner recipe – With just a few simple ingredients you can create a warm and hearty dish the entire family will love. Even your pickiest eaters will devour this flavorful meatloaf.
- Perfect texture – Unlike other recipes that often turn out dry and crumbly or overly mushy, this meatloaf is moist and tender, but perfectly firm.
Ingredients for Stovetop Meatloaf
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Ground beef – Choose lean ground beef to keep the meatloaf from becoming too greasy. You can find it at any grocery store.
- Box of Stove Top Stuffing mix – The secret ingredient! Use any flavor of dry stuffing mix you like.
- Egg – Acts as the binder to hold everything together, making sure your meatloaf stays firm and moist.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the mix, which creates a soft, juicy texture in every bite.
- White onion, finely chopped – The finely chopped onions add a little sweetness and a nice texture, balancing out the savory meat and stuffing.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor.
- BBQ sauce – Creates a sweet and smoky topping that caramelizes as it bakes.
How to Make Easy Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray your pan with a little cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, Stovetop stuffing mix, salt and pepper and diced onion. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased loaf pan.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture because it can cause a tough meatloaf. Mix until just combined.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- For the juiciest and best meatloaf, use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- If the beef mixture is close to the top of the pan, you may want to set it on a baking sheet to catch any juice that runs out.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Beef – Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- Cheesy meatloaf – Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Worcestershire sauce – Add 1-2 tablespoons to the meat mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Bacon – Lay strips of bacon over the top of the meatloaf before baking for extra smoky flavor and crispiness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Let the meatloaf cool to room temperature. Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven. To reheat meatloaf in the oven, place it in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until heated through.
Side Dish Ideas That Go Well with This Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf is super versatile, and there are plenty of delicious sides that pair perfectly with it. Mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are classic options that soak up all the juicy flavors. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a nice, light balance to the meal. You can also serve it with a fresh side salad for something crisp and refreshing. If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, garlic bread is a great choice.
Stove Top Stuffing is a pre-packaged seasoned bread crumbs that is used as a shortcut in making homemade stuffing.
If you’re not a fan of BBQ sauce, you can use ketchup, tomato sauce, or even a mixture of ketchup and mustard or chili sauce for a different flavor profile. You could also try using a ketchup glaze made from brown sugar and ketchup.
Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free stuffing mix. Also, read the label to ensure the BBQ sauce and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
If your meatloaf is falling apart, it may be because the mixture wasn’t bound together properly. Make sure to use enough egg and milk to help hold the ingredients together, and be careful not to overmix it.
Yes, you can! Shape the meatloaf into your baking dish and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then cook as directed.
You can cover it if you prefer but you’ll want to remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize on top.
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Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
Equipment
- Loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 6 ounces Stove Top stuffing mix 1 box, any flavor
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small white onion finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, stuffing mix, salt and pepper and chopped onion. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, 6 ounces Stove Top stuffing mix, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, salt and pepper, 1 small white onion
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To Freeze wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Made this a while back it was awesome. I used the chicken favored