Name: Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground beef; 1 6 oz box Stove Top Stuffing (I used Savory Herbs); 1 cup milk; 2 eggs (lightly beaten); ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup ketchup; 3 Tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons dijon mustard

Make the best and easiest Stuffing Meatloaf recipe with a box of Stove Top Stuffing! This meatloaf comes together in just minutes and is moist and flavorful every time. We finish it off with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze for an easy dinner you can enjoy year round.

This recipe was developed in partnership with the Ohio Beef Council. As always, all opinions are my own.

Two slices of stuffing meatloaf on a blue plate.

Table of Contents

Short Cut Stuffing Meatloaf

I am all for using smart, affordable short cuts in my cooking. I’ve long been an apologist for boxed stuffing, which we keep on hand pretty much year round. This baked stovetop stuffing can easily complete a meal and is a beloved part of my family’s holiday dinners.

Dry stuffing mix also happens to be an amazing shortcut for a flavorful, easy meatloaf recipe. The stuffing is a perfect substitute for the more traditional breadcrumbs. The stuffing also lends extra flavor from herbs and spices, meaning you get a delicious, moist meatloaf with just five ingredients. Both of my kids, even the one who’s suspicious of meat, gobbled this one up!

I always pair stuffing meatloaf with the sticky tangy ketchup glaze from my mom’s meatloaf recipe, but it would also be amazing with a meatloaf gravy. Pair it with skillet green beans and crock pot mashed potatoes for a low-lift dinner the entire family will love.

Courtney

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

Boxed stove top stuffing surrounded by bowls of ground beef, milk, ketchup, eggs, brown sugar, dijon mutard, and worcestershire sauce.

Ground beef– Ground beef is a budget friendly option that’s still packed with nutrition. Just a 3 oz. portion delivers 25 grams of protein and 10 essential nutrients, including iron and B vitamins. I recommend using 80/10 or 85/15 ground beef for this recipe.
Boxed stuffing– You can use any variety of Stove Top Stuffing mix here. I used the Savory Herbs variety, but classic chicken or turkey stuffing also works well. The stuffing works just like breadcrumbs, binding the meat together.
Milk– I recommend using 2% or whole milk for the best flavor, moisture, and texture.
Eggs– Eggs act as a binder, holding all of the other ingredients together.
Ketchup– This is the base for the savory sweet glaze.
Brown sugar- Adds a little sweetness. Granulated sugar or maple syrup is a fine replacement.
Worcestershire sauce– For an instant boost of savory tang.
Dijon mustard– Also for a little tang!

How to Make Stuffing Meatloaf

Stove top stuffing poured over ground beef in a bowl.

Step 1: Mix the meatloaf. Place the ground beef in a bowl and break it into smaller pieces. Pour the stuffing on top, then drizzle with milk and beaten eggs. Sprinkle with salt. Gently combine the beef mixture with your hands until it’s well mixed and adhering to itself.

Unbaked meatloaf with stuffing in a casserole dish.

Step 2: Shape and bake the meatloaf. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and shape it into a loaf, roughly 9 inches long and 2-2.5 inches tall. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.

Ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire, and dijon mustard whisked together in a measuring cup.

Step 4: Make the glaze. Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire, and dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Meatloaf topped with ketchup glaze in a casserole dish.

Step 5: Glaze and finish baking. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze over top, letting it run down the sides. Return to the oven and bake another 15-20 minutes or until the glaze is set and the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Rest the meatloaf at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Meatloaf is a perfect make-ahead meal. I think it tastes even better on the second day!

To make ahead: Prepare the meatloaf as usual, mixing the glaze up separately. Store the meatloaf and glaze in two separate covered containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as usual.
Storing leftover meatloaf: Leftovers will keep well in airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices of meatloaf in the microwave or pan-fry in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil.

Baked stuffing meatloaf in a casserole dish.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf

Mix gently. Over mixing your meatloaf can make it tough.
Use a meat thermometer. The best way to tell if meatloaf is done is to insert a meat thermometer into the very center of the meat and ensure it reads at least 155 degrees. The meatloaf will continue to cook for a few minutes after removing from the oven, so removing it between 155 and 160 degrees is perfect.
Rest before slicing. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meatloaf is moist and doesn’t fall apart.
For easier clean up: Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Two slices of stove top stuffing meatloaf with mashed potatoes on a plate.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Any kind of potato side dish is excellent with meatloaf. Try it with our Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Potatoes, Potatoes Anna, or Cheesy Potatoes.

For a leafy green side dish, try this Autumn Pear Salad or Simple Arugula Salad.

Other great vegetable sides for meatloaf include this Corn Souffle, Roasted Carrots and Parsnips, and Sauteed Spinach and Onions.

More Family Friendly Ground Beef Recipes to Try

Did you know that Ohio is home to over 15,000 family-run beef farms, with cattle raised in all 88 counties? Meet Ohio beef farmers who may live in communities near you at www.OhioBeef.org. Every step of the way, Ohio’s beef farmers are committed to providing excellent care for their animals, protecting the environment, and producing safe, healthy beef for your family.

Follow the Ohio Beef Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for beef nutrition facts, cooking tips, recipes and to meet Ohio’s beef farming families. Use #OhioBeef to share photos of your favorite beef dishes this season.

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