Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclaimer.
My Stove Top stuffing meatloaf is moist and savory, topped with a sweet ketchup glaze that ties the whole thing together. It’s simple, easy to make, and requires only 4 ingredients!
Out of stuffing mix? My easy meatloaf with few ingredients uses breadcrumbs instead, and my crock pot chicken and stuffing turns a spare box of stuffing mix into a whole slow cooker dinner.
The shortcut behind my 4 ingredient meatloaf using Stove Top stuffing
Just 4 ingredients – A box of Stove Top stuffing, ground beef, eggs, and ketchup are all I need. The stuffing mix already has the herbs and seasonings in it, so I don’t measure out a single spice!
10 minutes of prep and one bowl – I soak the stuffing, then mix in the beef and eggs right in the same bowl and shape it on a foil-lined sheet pan. That’s one bowl to wash, and the oven takes it from there. Talk about an easy weeknight dinner!
Moist and full of flavor – The stuffing soaks up the juices from the beef while it bakes, so the slices stay moist and tender. Every bite tastes like savory herbs, kind of like stuffing and meatloaf all in one.
Stove Top stuffing meatloaf comes in handy on busy weeknights when I need an easy, reliable dish that I can simply pop into the oven.
My son, Connor, loves this meal so much that he suggested we do a “Meatloaf Monday” dinner every Monday so we can start the week off with something comforting!
And making 4 ingredient meatloaf using Stove Top stuffing couldn’t be any easier to prepare. This convenient ingredient gives me a shortcut because it’s already pre-seasoned with all the herbs and seasonings I could need.
Meatloaf is one of my favorite ways to feed the whole family without spending a lot. It’s a short list of cheap ingredients, and it’s one of my go-to easy ground beef recipes.
Though the recipe itself is simple, it sure doesn’t skimp on flavor! Each bite is perfectly savory, packed with flavorful herbs and seasonings thanks to the stuffing mix.
Stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe ingredients
- Stove Top Stuffing mix – This meatloaf recipe is made with boxed stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs. It is pre-seasoned, easy to prepare, and saves me so much time!
- Ground beef – I use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. It holds its shape well while also keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Eggs – Give the meatloaf structure so it holds its shape and slices without crumbling apart.
- Ketchup – Forms a thick, sweet glaze to give the meatloaf a glossy finish.
How to make Stove Top stuffing meatloaf
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
Recipe tips
- Don’t overmix the meat! Overmixing will result in an overly dense meatloaf, so work gently.
- Shape the loaf evenly. Making your Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf with roughly the same thickness from end to end will ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. This takes away all the guesswork and helps me ensure the meat cooks to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Rest before serving. The 5 to 10 minute resting period is what gives the juices time to settle and prevents my loaf from falling apart.
Variations
- Can’t find Stove Top? Any 6 ounce box of stuffing mix works the same way.
- For a more savory flavor, use 3/4 cup of chicken broth instead of the water to soften the stuffing. It’s my favorite way to switch it up!
- If you don’t want ketchup on top, use 1 cup of barbecue sauce instead. I love the sweet and smoky flavor it adds. You can also use half of each!
- Garnish the meatloaf with fresh parsley. This ingredient is optional but adds a nice hint of freshness and color.
What to serve with this meatloaf recipe using stove top stuffing
My Stove Top stuffing meatloaf tastes delicious with comforting dishes like my mashed potatoes without milk, my easy potato soup recipe, and my mac and cheese with cream cheese. If I want to pair the savory meatloaf with a sweet side to balance out all the flavor, I can serve it with my sweet potato cornbread using Jiffy or my easy roasted baby carrots recipe.
Stove Top stuffing meatloaf FAQs
Can I make meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, then bake it just like the recipe says.
Do I need to prepare or cook the Stove Top stuffing before adding it to the meat?
Yes! You don’t cook it on the stovetop, but you do soften it with hot water first. Dry stuffing would soak up the juices from the beef and leave you with a dry, crumbly meatloaf. Once it’s softened, it holds onto that moisture and helps the loaf stick together.
Which flavor of Stove Top stuffing works best for meatloaf?
The Savory Herbs flavor is my personal favorite, but any flavor you like will work fine. Just remember that the amount of seasoning and the size of the bread pieces may vary.
Why is my stuffing meatloaf dry?
Overmixing and overcooking will result in a dry meatloaf. Make sure to mix gently and remove the meatloaf from the oven as soon as it reaches 160°F.
What is the best glaze to use with a stuffing-based meatloaf?
Ketchup is my favorite glaze for a stuffing-based meatloaf because of its sweet flavor and thick texture.
How should I store leftovers?
I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil so they’re easy to grab and reheat! Wrapped and stored in an airtight container, leftover meatloaf will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
My favorite way to reheat leftover meatloaf is in the oven. I cover slices loosely with foil and heat for about 15 minutes at 350°F.
More Easy Ground Beef Dinners
- Salisbury steak
- Hamburger steak
- Cheesy hamburger potato casserole
- Meatballs and gravy
- Air fryer meatloaf
4-Ingredient Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Equipment
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 (6-ounce) box Stove Top Stuffing Mix, any flavor (I use Savory Herbs)
- ¾ cup hot water
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it.
- Crush the stuffing mix while it is still in the bag, then pour it into a large bowl. Add the hot water and stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften and cool.
- Add the ground beef and eggs to the stuffing mixture. Gently mix everything with your hands or a large spoon until they are all just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf can become dense.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and gently shape it into an even loaf about 12 inches long and 7 inches wide.
- Bake the meatloaf uncovered at 375°F for about 1 hour, until the center reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer, depending on the shape and thickness of your loaf.
- Take the meatloaf out of the oven and spread the ketchup over the top and sides.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake it for another 5 minutes, just until the ketchup is heated through and has formed a glossy glaze.
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice it into 8 pieces about 1 1/2 inches thick.
Notes
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
