Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe The Only One You Need

Q: Can I use Stove Top stuffing instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf?

Absolutely, Stove Top stuffing is an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf. It not only binds the meat together but also adds a wealth of savory flavor from its built-in seasonings. Use one 6-ounce box of dry stuffing mix for every 1.5 to 2 pounds of ground meat for a perfectly moist and flavorful result.

Q: What is the secret to a good meatloaf?

The secret to a good meatloaf is threefold: using meat with enough fat (like 80/20 ground beef) for moisture, not overmixing the ingredients to keep the texture tender, and letting the cooked meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This final step allows the juices to redistribute, preventing a dry result.

Q: Do you put stuffing in meatloaf wet or dry?

You should add the Stove Top stuffing mix to your meatloaf ingredients while it is still dry, directly from the box. The dry stuffing will absorb the moisture from the other wet ingredients (like eggs, water, or milk) and the juices from the meat as it bakes. This absorption process is what helps create a tender and incredibly moist meatloaf.

Craving that soul-warming, classic meatloaf your grandma used to make, but a quick glance at the clock tells you it’s just not happening on a busy weeknight? You want that nostalgic comfort food, the kind that fills the whole house with an incredible aroma, but you don’t have the time or energy for a long list of ingredients and complicated steps.

We’ve all been there. You pull up a traditional meatloaf recipe and see a dozen different spices, fresh herbs to chop, and the dreaded task of turning old bread into fresh breadcrumbs. The result can be a gamble—sometimes it’s perfectly moist, and other times it’s dry and crumbly. It feels like too much work for a dish that should be simple and reliable.

Here’s the secret: this easy meatloaf recipe uses Stove Top stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs for a foolproof, flavorful, and incredibly moist result. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect comfort food dinner for any busy weeknight, delivering that classic taste you love without any of the fuss.

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Craving Classic Meatloaf Without the Fuss?

Let’s be honest, nothing says “home” quite like a slice of perfectly cooked meatloaf. But the journey to get there can be a hassle. That’s where the “secret weapon” comes in: a simple box of Stove Top stuffing. This isn’t just a shortcut; it’s an upgrade. It guarantees a moist, tender, and flavor-packed loaf every single time, turning a weekend project into a weeknight possibility. After years of making meatloaf, this simple shortcut using a box of stuffing has become my family’s absolute favorite. This is our tried-and-true recipe, updated for the current year.

Why Use Stove Top Stuffing in Meatloaf?

Using Stove Top stuffing in meatloaf serves two purposes: it acts as a binder to hold the loaf together and, because it’s pre-seasoned, it adds a significant amount of flavor without needing extra herbs or spices, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Here’s the deal—it’s a brilliant kitchen hack for a few key reasons:

Flavor and Binder in One: Stove Top isn’t just dried bread; it’s packed with savory herbs and seasonings like onion, celery, and parsley. It eliminates the need to raid your spice cabinet, infusing the entire loaf with a classic, savory flavor while also binding the meat.
Guaranteed Moisture: The dried bread pieces in the mix are experts at absorbing moisture. They soak up the juices from the ground beef as it cooks, trapping them inside the loaf. This is the key to preventing a dry, crumbly meatloaf.
Ultimate Simplicity: It dramatically shortens your ingredient list. You can skip the breadcrumbs, the chopped onions, and the handful of dried herbs. It’s a one-box solution for texture, flavor, and moisture.

Pro Tip: In my experience, explaining the “why” behind a recipe makes you a better cook. Understanding that the stuffing is pulling triple-duty as a binder, flavor agent, and moisture-lock helps you appreciate just how effective this simple shortcut is.

The Only Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Get ready for the easiest, most delicious meatloaf you’ve ever made. This recipe has become a legend in my house because it’s practically foolproof and always gets rave reviews. The beauty is in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Below, we’ll walk through each simple step to ensure your meatloaf is a showstopper.

1. Gather Your Simple Ingredients

To make this incredibly easy meatloaf, you only need five basic ingredients: ground beef, a box of Stove Top stuffing, eggs, water, and ketchup. This short list is the key to getting a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 lean is recommended for best flavor and moisture)
1 (6 ounce) box Stove Top Stuffing Mix (any flavor works, but chicken or savory herb is classic)
2 Large Eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup Water (or use beef broth for a richer flavor, or even milk for a creamier texture)
1/2 cup Ketchup, divided for the mix and the glaze

Pro-Tip: If using leaner ground beef (like 90/10), consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of water or an extra egg to ensure the meatloaf stays moist. The fat in 80/20 beef provides a lot of the moisture, so you need to compensate if you use a leaner blend.

Pin this simple ingredient list for your next shopping trip!

2. Mix and Shape Your Loaf

The key to a tender meatloaf is to gently mix the ingredients with your hands only until they are just combined. Overworking the ground beef will result in a dense, tough, and rubbery texture instead of a light and tender one.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan or, for a crispier exterior, line a baking sheet with foil.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup of water (or broth/milk). This ensures the eggs are evenly distributed.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the entire box of dry Stove Top stuffing mix, the ground beef, and 1/4 cup of the ketchup to the bowl.
Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Seriously, don’t overdo it! The moment you can’t see any more dry stuffing mix, you’re done.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and gently pat it down. Alternatively, form it into a free-form rectangular loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) on the baking sheet.

Lesson Learned: The biggest mistake people make is overworking the meat. I used to use a spoon and mix and mix, wondering why my meatloaf was so dense. The switch to using my hands and mixing only until the ingredients are incorporated was a complete game-changer. This is the key to a tender, not tough, texture.

Save this technique for a perfectly tender meatloaf every time!

3. Glaze, Bake, and Rest

To finish your meatloaf, you’ll bake it at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which typically takes 45-60 minutes. The final, most crucial step is to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Glaze the Top: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the raw meatloaf. This will bake into a sweet and tangy, beautifully caramelized glaze.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes.
Check the Temperature: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Ovens vary, so time is just a guideline. The meatloaf is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature inserted into the thickest part of the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let It Rest: This is non-negotiable! Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial step allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring every single slice is moist and flavorful.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the rest! I know how tempting it is to slice into it right away, but if you do, all those delicious juices you worked to preserve will run out onto the cutting board, leaving you with a dry meatloaf. Patience is a virtue here.

Love this recipe? Pin it to your ‘Weeknight Dinners’ board!

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Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to meatloaf recipes with stove top stuffing

Feeling ready to cook? Here are the most important points to remember for perfect Stove Top stuffing meatloaf every single time.

The Secret Ingredient: One box of dry Stove Top stuffing mix acts as the perfect all-in-one binder and flavor-enhancer, simplifying the recipe and guaranteeing great taste.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients with your hands only until they are just incorporated. This is the number one rule for ensuring a tender, not tough, texture.
Temperature is Key: Bake at 350°F until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F. This is the only way to guarantee it’s perfectly and safely cooked through without over-baking.
Let It Rest: Always allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This simple act of patience is what keeps it moist and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Stove Top stuffing meatloaf proves that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, reliable, and a guaranteed family-pleaser that brings classic comfort food back to the weeknight dinner table. Now that you have the secret to the easiest, most flavorful meatloaf ever, you can enjoy this delicious meal any night of the week.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with meatloaf? Let me know in the comments below

Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe The Only One You Need