The aroma of a hearty meatloaf with stove top stuffing wafts through the kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around. The golden-brown crust crackles as you slice into it, revealing layers of savory goodness that promise to comfort and delight.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday evening, and laughter fills the air as you serve up slices of this flavorful masterpiece.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This meatloaf with stove top stuffing is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Rich flavors meld together beautifully, providing a satisfying experience for all taste buds
- The dish looks inviting with its golden crust and hearty interior, making it a showstopper at any table
- It’s versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes or fresh veggies for a complete meal
Creating this meatloaf has never failed to impress my family; their smiles after the first bite say it all.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture in your meatloaf.
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Stove Top Stuffing Mix: This will add incredible flavor and texture; pick your favorite variety!
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Eggs: Use two large eggs to bind the mixture together while adding richness.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances the flavor; sauté it first for extra sweetness.
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Ketchup: This serves as both a glaze and flavor booster; choose a brand you love.
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Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder elevates the overall taste profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a loaf pan and lightly grease it with nonstick spray. This step ensures your meatloaf won’t stick like last week’s leftovers.
Sauté the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté one chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This brings out its natural sweetness that complements the meat.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, stove top stuffing mix, eggs, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands (yes, it’s messy but fun) to mix until just combined.
Shape into Loaf: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it gently into an even loaf—think of it as crafting a meaty sculpture that’s about to become dinner!
Add Topping Glaze: Spread an extra layer of ketchup on top of your meatloaf for that shiny finish. It adds flavor and an appealing look when it comes out of the oven.
Bake Until Perfectly Done: Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Your kitchen will smell divine during this time!
Once done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute throughout the loaf—trust me; you won’t want dry meat here!
Now you have a delightful meatloaf with stove top stuffing that’s sure to bring joy at any dinner table! Serve with sides of mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a comforting meal everyone will love. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This meatloaf with stove top stuffing recipe is a family favorite; it combines convenience and flavor effortlessly
- The aroma while baking is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble
- It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and mixing the stuffing with water. Prepare your meat mixture before shaping it into a loaf for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or sautéed onions for extra flavor. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best meatloaf texture, avoid overmixing; it makes the loaf dense
- Always let it rest before slicing to keep juices intact
- A good glaze on top adds flavor and moisture while baking
Sharing this recipe reminds me of the first time I made it for my friends—everyone left with full bellies and smiles, asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used instead of beef.
How long should I bake the meatloaf?
Bake your meatloaf at 350°F for about one hour or until cooked through.
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad are great side dishes here.
Hearty Meatloaf with Stove Top Stuffing
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
This comforting meatloaf recipe combines ground beef and Stove Top stuffing for a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Perfectly seasoned and topped with a glossy ketchup glaze, it delivers layers of flavor that will warm your heart and bring your family together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 box (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for glazing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Sauté the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, stuffing mix, eggs, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.
- Spread an additional layer of ketchup on top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
