Quick weeknight family dinner

This incredibly simple meatloaf transforms a box of Stove Top stuffing into a flavorful, moist dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just four basic ingredients - ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, and ketchup - you can create a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something fast yet satisfying, and it's now on regular rotation in our home.

Last month, I served this to my father-in-law who claims to hate meatloaf, and he asked for seconds! The seasoned stuffing mix is truly the secret that elevates this simple dish into something special.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef - Higher fat content (80/20) works best for moisture
• Stove Top Stuffing - Any flavor works, but chicken or savory herbs complement beef nicely
• Eggs - Provide structure and bind ingredients together
• Ketchup - Creates a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully
• Water - Helps hydrate the stuffing mix for the perfect texture

The magic happens when the seasoned breadcrumbs in the stuffing mix absorb the meat juices, creating a meatloaf that's perfectly seasoned throughout with an ideal texture - never dry or crumbly.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it's fully heated before the meatloaf goes in. Proper temperature ensures even cooking from the start.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Gently

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry Stove Top stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half the ketchup. Mix with your hands until just combined - overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Form the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan, gently pressing it into the corners without compacting it too firmly. Alternatively, shape into a loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet, folding up the edges to contain juices.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This creates a tangy, slightly sweet crust that caramelizes during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the center to check that it's no longer pink.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when cut.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut into even slices. Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Step 8: Store Leftovers Properly

Cool completely before refrigerating leftovers, which will keep for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil.

Step 9: Reheat with Care

Reheat individual slices in a 250°F oven with a tablespoon of beef broth for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil. This prevents the meatloaf from drying out.

Step 10: Repurpose Leftovers

Transform leftover slices into sandwiches or crumble into pasta sauce for a quick second meal.

Pin it

I learned the importance of using higher-fat ground beef after my first attempt with lean ground beef turned out a bit dry. Now I always use 80/20 ground beef or add extra moisture when using leaner meat.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

This recipe is a budget-conscious family's dream dinner. When ground beef goes on sale, I purchase several pounds, prepare multiple meatloaves, and freeze them uncooked. One box of stuffing mix costs around $1.50, making the entire meal approximately $2 per serving with sides. During tight financial months, this protein-packed dinner stretches our grocery budget without sacrificing satisfaction.

Pin it

Kid-Friendly Adaptation Strategies

My children initially resisted trying meatloaf until I reimagined the presentation. Using the same mixture, I form mini loaves in a muffin tin, reducing cooking time to 25 minutes. Each child gets their own "meatloaf cupcake" topped with mashed potato "frosting" and a cherry tomato "cherry." This playful approach consistently results in clean plates and happy faces.

Make-Ahead Party Solution

For casual entertaining, this meatloaf becomes an unexpected hero. I prepare it the day before, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before guests arrive. The aroma welcomes everyone while I focus on conversations instead of cooking. Sliced and served on a platter with colorful toothpicks, it transforms into a sophisticated appetizer that always generates recipe requests.

Seasonal Flavor Variations

Throughout the year, I adapt this basic recipe to incorporate seasonal elements. Fall welcomes finely diced apples and sage mixed into the meat. Winter versions feature cranberry sauce glaze instead of ketchup. Spring calls for fresh herbs and lemon zest. Summer brings diced bell peppers and basil. The versatile base accommodates these additions beautifully.

Chef's Essential Tips

• Create a shallow indentation down the center of your raw meatloaf before baking to prevent cracking. Brush with olive oil before adding ketchup for a moisture barrier. Mix 1 tablespoon each of brown sugar and yellow mustard into your ketchup topping for tangy-sweet glaze.
• Always use room temperature eggs for better binding properties.

This Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf has become my go-to solution for those evenings when I need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. There's something wonderfully nostalgic about meatloaf, and this simplified version maintains all the comfort while drastically reducing the prep time.

Pin it

Final Tips

• Double the recipe and freeze one loaf (uncooked) for a future no-prep meal
• For leaner beef, add 1/4 cup grated zucchini to maintain moisture
• Serve leftover slices on toasted bread with extra ketchup for meatloaf sandwiches
• Individual meatloaf muffins bake faster (about 25 minutes) for even quicker dinners
• To check doneness without a thermometer, insert a metal skewer - it should come out hot to the touch

This simple Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf proves that delicious, family-pleasing meals don't require complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Sometimes the most beloved recipes are the ones that save us time and money while still delivering on flavor and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of ground meats works well. If using leaner meats, add a little extra moisture with more water or an extra egg.

→ Which flavor of Stove Top stuffing works best?

Any flavor works great! Chicken, savory herbs, and traditional sage are popular choices that complement the beef well.

→ Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the meatloaf up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

→ How do I know when my meatloaf is done cooking?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer - it should register 160°F in the center. If you don't have one, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the middle.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover meatloaf?

Slice leftover meatloaf and reheat in a skillet with a little oil for crispy edges, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Leftover meatloaf also makes great sandwiches!