Best Meatloaf with Stove Top – Family Favorite Recipe

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some meatloaf recipes fall flat while others become instant family classics? The secret might be sitting in your pantry right now. Our meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal that brings everyone rushing to the table.

This recipe combines the comfort of traditional meatloaf with the savory, herb-infused flavor of Stove Top stuffing for a dish that’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients List

For this delicious meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing, you’ll need:

2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
1 box (6 oz) of Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor, though Savory Herbs or Traditional Sage complement beef beautifully)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup of milk
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 bell pepper, finely diced (red adds a lovely sweetness and color)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup of ketchup, plus extra for topping
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Substitution Options:

Ground turkey or a blend of ground meats can replace beef for a lighter option
Vegetable broth can be used instead of milk for a dairy-free version
Gluten-free stuffing mix works perfectly for those with sensitivities
Grated carrots or zucchini can be added for extra moisture and nutrition

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes to assemble all ingredients and mix
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes, which is about average for thorough cooking while maintaining moisture
Total Time: 75-85 minutes from start to finish, with minimal active effort required

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Having everything ready before you start mixing will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with the dried Italian herbs. The stuffing mix is your secret weapon here—it already contains perfectly balanced seasonings that will infuse your meatloaf with flavor while helping to bind everything together.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour the milk over the stuffing mix and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. This pre-soaking step ensures your meatloaf stays moist during cooking and prevents the dreaded dry, crumbly texture that ruins many meatloaf attempts.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Add the ground beef, beaten eggs, diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the stuffing mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference (about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper is a good starting point).

Step 5: Mix With Care

Using clean hands (the best tools for this job!), gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make your meatloaf tough and dense rather than tender and juicy. Stop as soon as the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare for Baking

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf, pressing down slightly to remove any air pockets. Alternatively, you can shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for more browned edges.

Step 7: Add the Glaze

Spread additional ketchup over the top of the meatloaf (about ¼ cup). This simple step creates a tangy, caramelized crust that’s utterly irresistible and keeps the top from drying out during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C). Cooking to the proper temperature ensures food safety without overcooking.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in slices that hold together beautifully rather than crumbling apart.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings per loaf):

Calories: 325
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this comfort food classic into a more nutritious meal with these smart modifications:

Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat content by up to 30%
Use whole grain or reduced-sodium Stove Top varieties when available
Boost the vegetable content by adding 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms, which blend seamlessly with the meat while adding nutrients and reducing overall calorie density
Replace half the meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-forward twist that maintains the hearty texture
Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk to reduce calories
Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to increase omega-3 fatty acids and fiber

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing from simple weeknight dinner to memorable meal with these serving ideas:

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic comfort food trifecta
Serve alongside a bright, acidic salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the meatloaf
Create next-day meatloaf sandwiches on sourdough bread with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mayo mixed with Dijon mustard
Slice cold meatloaf and serve on a charcuterie board with pickles, mustard, and crackers for a unique appetizer
Top with a ladle of homemade mushroom gravy for an extra-special dinner experience
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries and coleslaw for a diner-style meal that will please even picky eaters

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can fall prey to these meatloaf pitfalls:

Overmixing the ingredients: This compacts the meat proteins, resulting in a dense, tough texture. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
Skipping the resting period: Cutting into meatloaf immediately after baking causes juice loss, resulting in a drier final product. Patience pays off with a moist, sliceable loaf.
Using lean meat only: A 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio might seem healthier, but it produces dry meatloaf. Opt for 80/20 or incorporate moisture-adding ingredients if using leaner meats.
Forgetting to check internal temperature: Visual cues can be deceiving; use a meat thermometer to confirm your meatloaf has reached 160°F for food safety.
Not soaking the stuffing: Adding dry Stove Top directly can result in uneven texture and dry patches. Always pre-soak as directed for consistent moisture throughout.
Under-seasoning: Despite the flavored stuffing, additional seasonings make the difference between good and great meatloaf. Taste your mixture (before adding raw meat) to adjust seasonings.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Make the most of your meatloaf with these smart storage strategies:

Refrigeration: Properly cooled meatloaf stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Slice before storing for quicker reheating of individual portions.
Freezing: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in individual slices separated by parchment paper for easy single-serving defrosting.
Make-Ahead Prep: Form your raw meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered in the loaf pan. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Reheating: For the juiciest results, reheat slices in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth, or microwave at 50% power with a damp paper towel over the top.
Repurposing: Crumble leftover meatloaf into pasta sauce, use as a pizza topping, or mix into scrambled eggs for breakfast.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it in the loaf pan, covered with plastic wrap. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.

Why does my meatloaf sometimes fall apart when slicing?

This typically happens when there isn’t enough binding agent or when the meatloaf hasn’t rested after baking. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of eggs and soaked stuffing, and always allow at least 10-15 minutes of rest time before slicing.

Can I cook this meatloaf in a slow cooker?

Yes! Form the mixture into a loaf shape that will fit in your slow cooker, place on a piece of foil with the sides folded up (to catch drippings), and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until it reaches 160°F internally.

What’s the best Stove Top stuffing flavor to use for meatloaf?

Savory Herbs, Traditional Sage, or Chicken varieties complement beef meatloaf beautifully. For turkey meatloaf, consider using Turkey or Cornbread Stove Top varieties.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Definitely! Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to the mixture. For a fun twist, you can also stuff the center of the loaf with cheese for a melty surprise.

How can I tell when my meatloaf is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is most reliable, another indicator is that the meatloaf will shrink slightly from the sides of the pan, and the juices will run clear when pierced with a fork. The loaf should feel firm when gently pressed.

Conclusion

This meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing transforms a humble comfort food into a spectacular family meal that’s moist, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The pre-seasoned stuffing mix eliminates guesswork while creating perfect texture and taste in every bite.

Ready to impress your family with this upgraded classic? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments section below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more family-friendly recipes that combine convenience with home-cooked goodness.