There’s something deceptively cozy about a well-made stuffing meatloaf. Picture it: a golden-brown crust hugging a tender, flavorful center that oozes savory goodness with every slice. The aroma wafts through the house, making everyone wonder what magic is happening in the kitchen. And, oh boy, when you finally sit down to enjoy a piece, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is not just about flavor; it’s an experience, a nostalgic throwback to family dinners and gatherings where everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts.
When I first attempted this stuffing meatloaf, I had my skeptical family members hovering around the kitchen like hungry hawks. They were ready to pounce at the first sign of disaster. But as soon as that heavenly scent filled the air, their eyes widened with anticipation. The beauty of this dish is that it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a regular weeknight or a holiday feast—and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be dreaming of leftovers for breakfast!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffing meatloaf is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The flavor combination is savory and satisfying, perfect for any palate
- Its rustic appearance makes for an inviting centerpiece at dinner parties
- You can easily customize the stuffing ingredients to suit your taste or pantry items
I still remember the time my brother claimed he wasn’t hungry until he took one bite. Suddenly, he was devouring half the loaf before I even had a chance to serve it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for better texture and less grease in your meatloaf.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian breadcrumbs as they help bind everything together beautifully.
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Onions: Diced onions add moisture and sweetness; opt for yellow onions for balanced flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates flavors; don’t skimp on it!
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Eggs: Acts as the binding agent; use large eggs for best results.
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Beef Broth: Adds rich flavor; low-sodium versions allow you to control saltiness.
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano are essential for that comforting taste.
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Your Favorite Stuffing Mix: Go with traditional or wild rice stuffing mix to add texture and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly while you prepare everything else.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do wonders!
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed veggies, eggs, beef broth, and seasonings. Mix gently but thoroughly until combined.
Add Stuffing Mix: Fold in your favorite stuffing mix carefully so that it maintains some of its texture; we want that delightful crunch in every bite!
Shape into Loaf: Transfer your mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape into a loaf form that’s about 8 inches long—think of shaping it like an oversized log!
Bake Until Golden Brown : Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until cooked through and browned on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
With each step infused with love and care, this stuffing meatloaf transforms from mere ingredients into an unforgettable family meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that not only fills tummies but also warms hearts!
You Must Know
- The stuffing meatloaf is a game-changer; it adds a burst of flavor and moisture
- Everyone loves the surprise inside!
- Perfect for dinner, but also great as leftovers for lunch
- You can easily adapt the stuffing ingredients to what you have on hand
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the meat with seasonings, form a loaf, stuff it with your chosen filling, and bake until the center reaches 160°F. This sequence ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly and retains moisture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach and feta or mushrooms and cheese. You can swap out ground beef for turkey or add spices that reflect your taste preferences, making each meatloaf uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about one minute or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making stuffing meatloaf, ensure even distribution of flavors by mixing thoroughly
- Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender
- Letting it rest after cooking helps retain juices and enhances flavor, creating a perfect slice every time
Sometimes I hear my friends rave about my stuffing meatloaf, saying it’s like a hug from their childhood! That warmth inspires me to keep perfecting this recipe.
FAQ
What type of meat is best for stuffing meatloaf?
Ground beef works well, but turkey or chicken can make lighter options.
Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing mix saves time and adds great flavor to your meatloaf.
How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
Stuffing Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this stuffing meatloaf, a hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with rich stuffing for a delightful experience. With its golden-brown crust and tender center, each slice offers a nostalgic taste reminiscent of family gatherings. Perfect for weeknights or holiday feasts, this easy-to-make recipe will leave everyone craving seconds—and dreaming of leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups your favorite stuffing mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the stuffing mix to retain its texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet and shape it into an 8-inch loaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
