Name: Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (such as Stove Top); 2 eggs; 1 cup water or milk; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Additional ketchup or barbecue sauce for topping

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the savory, nostalgic flavors in Stuffing Meatloaf—a dish that marries two beloved classics into one hearty, satisfying main course. Imagine the juicy tenderness of traditional meatloaf, but with the aromatic, herby goodness of boxed stuffing woven right in. This is a meal that brings the whole family running to the table, promising homestyle happiness in every slice. Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding your own special touches, Stuffing Meatloaf is a weeknight treasure that turns even the busiest evening into something memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to deliver serious comfort and flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making Stuffing Meatloaf juicy, flavorful, and completely crave-worthy.

Ground beef: The backbone of your meatloaf, ground beef adds richness and provides the perfect canvas for soaking up all those stuffing spices.
Stuffing mix: Boxed stuffing isn’t just convenient—it’s packed with herbs and seasoning, giving the meatloaf a unique texture and herby depth.
Eggs: These vital binders hold everything together, making sure each slice stays tender, not crumbly.
Water or milk: This keeps the mixture moist; milk adds extra richness, while water keeps the recipe dairy-free.
Ketchup: Mixed in for tang and sweetness, and brushed on top for that irresistible, glossy finish.
Worcestershire sauce: A dash of this brings savory, umami magic and enhances the depth of the meatloaf.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky flavor without the intensity or prep work of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds mellow, savory warmth that blends seamlessly with the other flavors.
Salt and pepper: The essential duo for seasoning—be generous, but always taste first!
Additional ketchup or barbecue sauce: Spread a layer over the top for a caramelized, tangy glaze that everyone will love.

How to Make Stuffing Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s properly heated when your meatloaf is ready to go in. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line a baking sheet with parchment if you prefer a freeform loaf. This simple step guarantees easy, fuss-free cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water or milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently combine everything. The key is to mix just until incorporated—overmixing can make your Stuffing Meatloaf dense instead of tender.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Press your mixture into the prepared loaf pan, or shape it into a loaf right on your lined baking sheet. Aim for even thickness so the loaf bakes uniformly. If you’re feeling artistic, gently round the edges for a classic look.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Spread a generous layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top—this not only locks in moisture, but also bakes into a richly flavored glaze. Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Letting it develop a little crust is part of the charm!

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once the Stuffing Meatloaf is done, let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This essential wait lets the juices redistribute, so every slice stays deliciously juicy. Slice thickly and serve warm for ultimate satisfaction.

How to Serve Stuffing Meatloaf

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Stuffing Meatloaf. For more drama, try a dash of smoked paprika on top or even a thin sprinkle of crunchy fried onions to give each bite some extra pizzazz.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans are right at home next to Stuffing Meatloaf. Creamy macaroni and cheese, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad are also delightful choices that lean into comfort and balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try slicing the meatloaf into mini slabs and serving on sliders with a dollop of tangy sauce. Or, layer cold Stuffing Meatloaf on rustic bread with arugula and a smear of mayo for a lunchtime sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. With its savory herb flavors, this dish easily becomes the star of any potluck or family feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Stuffing Meatloaf in an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge—your future self will thank you. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunch or a repeat dinner effortless and tasty.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze slices or the entire cooled meatloaf tightly wrapped in foil and placed in a zip-top bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just label with the date for stress-free meal planning later on.

Reheating

Warm up your Stuffing Meatloaf slices in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying. In a rush? The microwave works, too—just add a splash of broth or water and cover so it stays moist. Either way, leftovers taste just as inviting as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in ground turkey for a lighter version or try a meatloaf mix (beef, pork, and veal) for even richer flavor. Adjust your seasoning if you switch up the protein to keep everything balanced.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

Definitely! Simply use water instead of milk in the mixture and double-check that your chosen stuffing mix doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients. The result is just as moist and flavorful as the original.

How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?

The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer—your Stuffing Meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Slicing into the center to check for clear juices is also a great backup method.

Can I add vegetables to the mixture?

Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots can be folded into the meat mixture for extra nutrition and a tweak to flavor and texture. Sauté veggies first if you want them extra tender.

What’s the best way to keep the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix the ingredients and don’t overbake—these are the two biggest culprits of dryness. Using milk adds richness, and an extra spoon of ketchup or barbecue sauce on top helps lock in moisture during baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a cozy hug, Stuffing Meatloaf is exactly what you need. It’s endlessly adaptable, always comforting, and a true crowd-pleaser—so roll up your sleeves, give it a try, and let this recipe become a cherished favorite in your home.

Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Stuffing Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic dish, combining savory ground beef with flavorful stuffing mix and a hint of tangy Worcestershire sauce. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
2 eggs
1 cup water or milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional ketchup or barbecue sauce for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, water or milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Prepare Loaf: Press the mixture into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add Topping: Spread additional ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top if desired.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.