Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Published: December 5, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: The use of boxed stuffing makes this meatloaf easy to prepare, cutting down on cooking time.
Flavorful: The stuffing mix adds an incredible depth of flavor that elevates traditional meatloaf.
Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions; it pairs well with various sides.
Budget-Friendly: An economical way to feed a family without compromising on taste.
Moist Texture: The combination of ingredients ensures a juicy and tender meatloaf every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly, ensuring the best flavor and texture.
Loaf pan: Helps shape the meatloaf neatly while allowing it to cook uniformly in the oven.
Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet prevents sogginess by allowing heat circulation around the meatloaf.

Ingredients

This recipe uses a boxed stuffing mix as a shortcut to add flavor and texture to the meatloaf. The stuffing mix is combined with ground beef, eggs, and milk to create the perfectly flavored moist meatloaf!

For the Meatloaf

1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (or beef/beef blend)
1 box stove top stuffing mix (any flavor will work)
1 cup diced onion (chop as small as possible)
2 eggs
⅓ cup milk

For the Topping

¾ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp white vinegar

How to Make Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to a large mixing bowl:
1. 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
2. 1 box stove top stuffing mix
3. 1 cup finely diced onion
4. 2 eggs
5. ⅓ cup milk

Mix together thoroughly until everything is evenly combined, ensuring that the egg and milk coat the ground beef well.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Lightly spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Pack the ground beef mixture into the loaf pan tightly. Carefully flip the loaf pan over onto the prepared baking sheet so that the meatloaf releases easily.

Step 4: Bake Uncovered

Bake uncovered without any sauce for about 40 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Topping Sauce

While your meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce by mixing together:
– ¾ cup ketchup
– 1 Tbsp white vinegar

Once the meatloaf has baked for 40 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread this ketchup glaze over it evenly.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-30 minutes or until fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when done.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

After removing from the oven, let your Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping each slice moist and flavorful.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf! Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!

How to Serve Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Serving stove top stuffing meatloaf can be a delightful experience, enhancing its flavors with the right accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Classic Comfort

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with meatloaf, soaking up the savory juices.
Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the plate.

Sandwich Style

Meatloaf Sandwich: Slice leftover meatloaf and serve it between two slices of bread with your favorite condiments for a hearty sandwich.
Open-Faced Meatloaf: Place a slice of meatloaf on toasted bread and top with gravy or extra ketchup for an easy meal.

Gourmet Touch

Crispy Onions: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to bring freshness and brightness to the dish.

How to Perfect Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

For a truly delicious stove top stuffing meatloaf, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your meatloaf turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to prevent the meatloaf from being too greasy while keeping it flavorful.
Chop Onions Finely: The smaller the onion pieces, the better they blend into the mixture for even flavor distribution.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps retain moisture when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Pairing side dishes with stove top stuffing meatloaf can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options.

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up any sauce or juices from the meatloaf.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins; serve them mashed or baked whole.
Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that is creamy and satisfying.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a light contrast to hearty meatloaf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making meatloaf can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using a dry mixture: Ensure that the ground beef, stuffing mix, and liquid ingredients are well combined. A dry mixture can result in a crumbly meatloaf.
Not measuring ingredients: Be precise with your measurements, especially for eggs and milk. Too much or too little can change the texture.
Skipping the resting time: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps retain juices. Skipping this may lead to a drier meatloaf.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overbaking can dry out the meatloaf, so use a thermometer to check for doneness.
Neglecting flavor additions: Don’t forget to season your mixture! Adding herbs or spices can enhance flavor significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf:

What is Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf?

Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is a flavorful dish that combines ground beef with boxed stuffing mix, creating a moist and tasty meal.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a lighter option while still being delicious.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F at the center of the meatloaf when fully cooked.

Can I add vegetables to this meatloaf?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers or grated carrots can add nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they’re finely chopped for even cooking.

What if I don’t have ketchup?

You can replace ketchup with barbecue sauce or even homemade tomato sauce for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is not just easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners alike. Give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card