The Best Meatloaf (Made with Stove Top Stuffing)

Give classic meatloaf an easy upgrade by adding a box of Stove Top stuffing. The stuffing brings plenty of flavor and helps create a tender, juicy loaf without requiring a long list of ingredients.

This simple recipe combines ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, water, and ketchup for an affordable family dinner that comes together quickly. It’s especially handy on busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal the whole family can enjoy.

Quick & Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe

This easy meatloaf is made with just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, yet it delivers plenty of savory flavor. The stuffing mix takes the place of traditional breadcrumbs and seasonings, making the preparation especially simple.

How To Not Screw It Up

  • Ground beef with a little more fat works best because the stuffing mix absorbs moisture while cooking. If you’re using very lean beef, consider adding a little extra water.
  • Feel free to use your favorite stuffing flavor. Stove Top works particularly well because the box contains the right amount for one pound of ground beef.
  • Ketchup can easily be swapped for barbecue sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of your favorite sauces.
  • For extra flavor, mix in diced onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, or shredded cheese.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can make the finished meatloaf dense instead of tender.

Step 1

Add the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup to a large mixing bowl. Gently combine everything until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2

Grease a loaf pan and transfer the meat mixture into it, pressing it gently into an even loaf. If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 3

Bake the meatloaf in a 350°F oven for approximately 45–50 minutes. It is ready when the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to check for doneness. If you don’t have one, carefully cut into the center to make sure the meat is fully cooked.

Step 4

Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This short resting period allows the juices to settle and makes the loaf easier to cut.

Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite side dishes for a simple and satisfying family dinner.

The Best Meatloaf Recipe (Made With Stove Top Stuffing)

The Best Meatloaf Recipe (Made With Stove Top Stuffing)

4.9 (4,821 ratings)

A quick and easy ground beef dinner recipe your family will love! This budget meal takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, and then the oven does all the work for you. No fussy steps or exotic ingredients here, just 4 cheap ingredients needed to make the best meatloaf, ever!

Course Main Course
Servings 6 servings
Keywords
budget meal cheap comfort food easy dinner family meal ground beef stove top stuffing

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef *see notes
  • 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water and HALF of the ketchup.
  3. Place the mixture into a greased bread loaf pan. If you don’t have one, you can form a loaf and place it on a foil lined baking sheet. Fold the edges of the foil up to keep the beef juices contained for easier clean-up.
  4. Spread the remaining ketchup over top. You can also use BBQ sauce, chili sauce or a combination of sauces.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
  6. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or anything else you’d like!

Chef’s Notes

Meat Choice: A higher fat ground beef works best for this recipe. The breadcrumbs from the box of stuffing absorb a lot of the moisture. If you’re using a lean pack of ground beef, you may need to add a little extra water, a splash of milk or an additional egg.

Variations: Want to take this recipe up a notch? Add some diced onion, chopped garlic, shredded cheese, spices or fresh herbs to the beef mixture before baking.

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