Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Published: January 17, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this comforting meatloaf in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The stove top stuffing mix enhances the meatloaf’s flavor, making it juicy and delicious without extra effort.
Versatile Meal: Great for dinner, leftovers, or even sandwiches the next day, this meatloaf adapts to your needs.
Budget-Friendly: Using a boxed stuffing mix keeps costs down while still delivering great taste.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please picky eaters and can be served with various sides.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having everything ready will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Non-stick cooking spray
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly for an even mixture.
Loaf pan: This helps shape the meatloaf perfectly, ensuring it cooks evenly.
Meat thermometer: Essential for checking doneness and ensuring food safety by confirming an internal temperature of 160°F.

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 Glaze

¾ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp white vinegar

How to Make Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the 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

In a large bowl, add:
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 all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Loaf Pan

Lightly spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Pack in the ground beef mixture firmly. Then flip the loaf pan onto the baking sheet to place the meatloaf directly on it. This method helps achieve a crispier crust.

Step 4: Bake Uncovered

Bake uncovered without any sauce for 40 minutes to allow it to firm up.

Step 5: Make the Ketchup Glaze

While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing:
1. ¾ cup ketchup
2. 1 Tbsp white vinegar

Once the meatloaf has cooked for 40 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread this glaze over the top.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-30 minutes until fully cooked. Ensure there’s no pink inside by checking with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 160°F.

Step 7: Rest Before Slicing

After removing from oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps distribute internal juices evenly for better flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Serving your Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf can elevate the dining experience for your family or guests. Here are some delicious suggestions to complement this flavorful dish.

Classic Comfort

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy create a hearty pairing.
Green Beans: Steamed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the plate.

Flavorful Additions

Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread for a delightful side that everyone loves.
Salad: A crisp side salad with your favorite dressing balances the richness of the meatloaf.

Festive Touches

Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a seasonal twist and sweetness to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can be seasoned with herbs for an aromatic side.

How to Perfect Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Achieving the perfect Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for a moist and flavorful result every time.

Choose Lean Beef: Using 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef helps keep the meatloaf moist while keeping excess fat at bay.
Finely Dice Onions: Smaller onion pieces ensure even distribution throughout the meatloaf, enhancing flavor without overwhelming bites.
Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to provide consistent taste and texture in every slice.
Let it Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes post-baking helps juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier loaf.

Best Side Dishes for Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Pairing sides with your Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf can enhance your meal. Here are some top choices that work wonderfully together.

Buttery Corn: Sweet corn sautéed in butter offers a creamy contrast to savory meatloaf.
Creamed Spinach: This rich dish adds a touch of elegance and balances flavors nicely.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream make a filling addition.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, cutting through the richness of the meatloaf.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and texture to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutritional value and color, making it visually appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoid these pitfalls for the best meatloaf experience.

Using Too Much Liquid: Adding extra milk or eggs can make the meatloaf too wet. Stick to the specified amounts for the right texture.
Not Chopping Onions Fine Enough: Large onion pieces can create uneven cooking and texture. Finely dice your onions for a smoother mix.
Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the meatloaf immediately can cause juices to run out, leading to dryness. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Overbaking: Cooking too long can dry out your meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Ignoring Flavor Additions: Not seasoning adequately with spices or using a bland stuffing mix can lead to a dull taste. Experiment with different flavors of stuffing for variety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container.
It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf?

Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is a delicious dish that combines ground beef with boxed stuffing mix, enhancing flavor and moisture.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can use turkey or chicken instead of beef. Each will provide a unique flavor profile.

How do I customize my Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf?

You can add herbs, spices, or even vegetables to enhance flavors. Consider adding grated cheese for extra richness!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and refrigerate them before baking, making it easy to cook later.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch and store portions in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is not only simple and flavorful but also versatile enough to fit any family’s tastes. Feel free to customize it by experimenting with different stuffing flavors or adding vegetables. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees satisfaction at the dinner table!

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

📖 Recipe Card