Let me tell you, when it comes to comfort food, my stove top stuffing meatloaf is an absolute winner! The savory flavors of the stuffing mix just elevate the classic meatloaf into something special. I love how the stuffing adds a unique texture and richness that keeps every bite moist and flavorful. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! This dish is not just a family favorite; it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without all the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up! Just gather your ingredients, mix, and let the oven do its magic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients for Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef – I always go for lean ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- 1 box stove top stuffing mix – This is the secret ingredient that brings all the savory goodness!
- 1 cup water – Just enough to help the stuffing mix come together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – Freshly chopped for that perfect aromatic kick!
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper – I love the sweetness this adds; any color works wonders.
- 1 egg – This helps bind everything together for a nice, cohesive loaf.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A dash of this gives a deep, rich flavor that’s just irresistible!
How to Prepare Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the meatloaf evenly, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. While it warms up, you can get all your ingredients ready—multi-tasking at its finest!
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stove top stuffing mix, water, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, this is where the magic happens! Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed throughout the meat. Don’t be shy—get in there and mix it well! The more combined it is, the better your meatloaf will turn out.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to shape your meatloaf! Take the mixture and form it into a loaf shape with your hands. Transfer it carefully into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s evenly shaped for even cooking. Don’t worry about perfection—this dish is all about comfort and deliciousness!
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Now, pop that beautifully shaped meatloaf into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for a nice, golden-brown crust and a firm texture.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once it’s out of the oven, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, slice it gently with a sharp knife, and enjoy that comforting goodness!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your stove top stuffing meatloaf turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t hesitate to season the mixture to your liking; a sprinkle of garlic powder, black pepper, or even some Italian seasoning can take it to the next level. If you want to mix things up, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option—just adjust the cooking time slightly. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a bit early if you’re unsure. And if you love a bit of heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Lastly, don’t forget that leftovers make fantastic sandwiches—just add a slice of cheese and some fresh veggies for a quick, hearty meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of my delicious stove top stuffing meatloaf: about 250 calories, 15g of fat (with 6g being saturated), and 18g of protein. You’ll also find roughly 15g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your hearty meal without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of flavor thanks to the stove top stuffing mix—no fancy ingredients needed!
- One-dish meal that minimizes cleanup—just mix, shape, and bake!
- Moist and tender texture that everyone in the family will love.
- Versatile—swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Great leftovers that make delicious sandwiches for lunch the next day.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my stove top stuffing meatloaf? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One popular substitution is to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; it might be a tad shorter. If you want to jazz it up, consider adding grated cheese or chopped mushrooms to the mix for extra flavor.
As for storage, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly! When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture. Trust me, this meatloaf tastes just as good the second time around!
Suggested Serving Ideas
To elevate your stove top stuffing meatloaf experience, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn for that classic comfort food vibe. A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness. If you want to get a little fancy, try pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans sautéed with garlic for a pop of color and flavor. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices—yum! These sides will surely enhance your meal and make it even more satisfying.
Print
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf: 5 Delicious Tips to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory meatloaf made with stove top stuffing for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 box stove top stuffing mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, stove top stuffing mix, water, onion, bell pepper, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings.
- This recipe can be made with turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stove top stuffing meatloaf
