Meatloaf with Stuffing

This super easy meatloaf turns a box of Stove Top stuffing into a tasty, moist dinner that'll win over even the fussiest eaters. With just four cheap ingredients and barely any prep time, this wallet-friendly meal delivers homestyle comfort any day of the week.

A few weeks back, I whipped this up for a weeknight family meal, and my husband who usually thinks meatloaf is 'nothing special' grabbed seconds and even thirds. The trick? Stove Top stuffing mix adds ready-made seasoning and great texture all in one handy package.

Key Ingredients and Smart Picking Advice

• Ground Beef: Go for the fattier kind (80/20) as it works wonders in this dish
• Stove Top Stuffing: Pick whatever flavor you want, but Savory Herbs or Traditional Sage taste especially good
• Eggs: They keep everything stuck together and add some moisture
• Water: Softens the stuffing mix for just the right feel
• Ketchup: Makes a zingy, slightly sweet topping

The real wonder happens as the Stove Top stuffing soaks up all those meat juices while baking, making a perfectly flavored, juicy meatloaf without fancy extras or tricky steps.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F. This middle-range heat lets the meatloaf cook all the way through without getting dry or burnt outside.

Step 2: Throw Everything Together

In a big bowl, mix the ground beef, dry stuffing straight out of the box (no need to make it first), eggs, water, and half the ketchup. Mix it just enough - too much mixing makes tough meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape It Up

Put the mixture in a greased bread loaf pan. No loaf pan? Just shape it into a loaf on a foil-covered baking sheet. Fold up the foil edges to catch any juices that come out while cooking.

Step 4: Top It Off

Smear the rest of the ketchup over the top of your meatloaf. This makes a tangy, sweet crust that adds flavor and locks in moisture.

Step 5: Bake It Right

Stick the meatloaf in your hot oven and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until it hits 160°F inside when you check with a meat thermometer. No thermometer? Just cut a tiny slit in the middle to check if it's done.

Step 6: Make Sure It's Done

The meatloaf should be fully cooked with no pink parts left. If it's not quite there yet, pop it back in for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Let It Sit

Wait about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This key step lets the juices spread back through the meat, making a juicier, tastier meatloaf.

Step 8: Cut And Enjoy

Slice it up nicely and serve alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete comfort food dinner.

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I found out how important using fattier ground beef is after my first try with lean meat ended up kinda dry. The fat really changes how juicy this simple dish turns out.

Money-Saving Meal Ideas

This meatloaf shows how cheap cooking can be, feeding four people for less than $10. Ground beef goes on sale often, and one box of Stove Top makes a pound of meat go much further. To save the most money, grab stuffing mix when it's discounted and freeze beef in one-pound packages. Add some mashed potatoes and frozen veggies, and you've got a full, satisfying dinner for under $2.50 per person.

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Kid-Friendly Variations

For homes with different tastes, this dish can be tweaked easily. Picky eaters like the familiar flavors without visible onions or veggies. For more daring eaters, toss in finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, or add some shredded cheese to the mix. My kids started to like meatloaf when I made 'meatloaf cupcakes' by cooking single servings in a muffin tin, topped with mashed potato that looked like frosting.

Tasty Side Dishes For Every Season

This flexible meatloaf goes with seasonal foods all year round. Summer brings chances for fresh corn salad or watermelon. Fall works well with roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts. Winter versions match with hearty root veggies. Spring goes great with asparagus or fresh green salads. This flexibility keeps the dish exciting throughout the year while using what's in season.

Prep-Ahead and Freezing Tricks

For busy families, this recipe really shines as a do-ahead option. Mix and form the raw meatloaf up to a day ahead, wrap it tight with plastic and keep in the fridge until you're ready to cook. For storing longer, shape the raw mix into a loaf, wrap it well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in your fridge before cooking as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Game-Changing Cooking Secrets

• For better taste, throw in a spoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture
• Grease the loaf pan a bit before putting in the meat
• Mix a bit of hot sauce into the ketchup for some heat
• For slices that hold together better, add a spoon of cornstarch to the meat mixture
• Always let the meatloaf cool down after cooking for juicier slices

I came up with these little tweaks after making this dish many times - especially adding Worcestershire sauce, which brings amazing depth to the flavor without anyone knowing it's there.

This souped-up meatloaf has become my trusted standby when I want a filling meal everyone will eat. The mix of convenience, taste, and affordability creates something much better than you'd expect - a dish that feels special while being crazy simple to make.

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This Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf shows that yummy, filling meals don't need fancy methods or weird ingredients - just a few clever shortcuts and the guts to keep things wonderfully basic.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Sure! Try ground chicken, turkey, or a mix. Leaner meat might need extra water or another egg for moisture.

→ What’s the best stuffing flavor to use?

Any flavor works well! Popular options include chicken, sage, or herb blends to go along with beef.

→ Can I prep this meatloaf a day ahead?

You bet! Mix and shape it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it with 5-10 more minutes added in if it's cold.

→ How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?

The easiest way is with a thermometer – it should reach 160°F in the middle. Or check that the center is firm and fully cooked.

→ What are good methods for reheating leftovers?

Heat slices in a skillet with oil for crispy edges or microwave them with a damp towel for softness. Leftovers are also amazing in sandwiches!