Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *stove top stuffing meatloaf*! It’s a real game-changer in my kitchen, bursting with savory flavor and an incredible texture that’s just so comforting. The best part? Using stove top stuffing mix makes it super easy and adds that delicious flavor without all the fuss. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s become a staple for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. I can whip it up in no time, and it always gets devoured! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation. It’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-simple!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (6 oz) stove top stuffing mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for the meatloaf.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stove top stuffing mix, water, and egg. You’ll also want to toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands or a spoon and mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it, though; you want a nice, tender loaf!
- Once your mixture is ready, shape it gently into a loaf form. Place this beauty into a baking dish, making sure it’s evenly shaped for even cooking.
- Now for the magic part—bake it in your preheated oven for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- When it’s ready, take it out and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because it helps lock in those delicious juices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and cook time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful and hearty, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Kid-friendly, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your stove top stuffing meatloaf turns out perfectly every time! First off, when mixing your ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf. You want to combine everything just until it’s mixed; a few lumps are totally okay.
For shaping your loaf, make sure to form it evenly. A uniform shape helps it cook through consistently, and trust me, nobody wants a soggy bottom! If you find the mixture is a bit too wet, you can sprinkle in a little extra stuffing mix to help absorb some moisture.
Also, don’t skip the resting period after baking! This is key to letting those juices redistribute, which means every slice will be juicy and flavorful. If you’re unsure about the cooking time, use a meat thermometer—aim for that 160°F (70°C) mark to ensure it’s cooked through without being dry.
Lastly, feel free to get creative! Add in your favorite herbs or spices to the mix. A pinch of Italian seasoning or some fresh parsley can elevate the flavor even more. Have fun with it, and enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before you dive into this delicious stove top stuffing meatloaf! Nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so I won’t be providing exact nutritional values here. But don’t worry, you can easily check the labels on your ingredients for more precise information. Enjoy this hearty dish knowing you’re fueling your body with something tasty and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Using ground turkey or chicken is a great way to make this stove top stuffing meatloaf a bit leaner. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly with different meats.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add some chopped mushrooms, shredded cheese, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix for a little extra kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also brighten up the flavors!
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center; it should no longer be pink and the juices should run clear.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it the night before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
I love serving this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed veggies. It also goes wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing sides with my stove top stuffing meatloaf, there are so many delicious options to consider! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Creamy mashed potatoes: You can’t go wrong with this classic! The buttery goodness complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.
- Steamed green beans: A simple and fresh side that adds a nice crunch and color to your plate.
- Roasted carrots: Their natural sweetness balances out the meatloaf wonderfully.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy slaw adds a great contrast in texture and flavor.
- Garlic bread: For those who love a little carb action, buttery garlic bread is a fantastic addition!
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what your family loves. Trust me, these sides will take your meatloaf experience to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover stove top stuffing meatloaf is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, making it a great option for meal prep!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Just slice your meatloaf and place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to help keep the moisture in—nobody likes a dry meatloaf! Heat it in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you prefer to reheat it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them from getting too crispy. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until heated through. This method also helps to keep that lovely texture intact!
Enjoy your reheated meatloaf just like it was fresh out of the oven! Trust me, it tastes just as good the second time around.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! If you try this stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you make any fun tweaks or additions? I’m always excited to hear about your experiences in the kitchen! If you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to rate it. Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious dish. Let’s keep the cooking conversation going—share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other!
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Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf: 5 Comforting Flavors Await
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory meatloaf made with stove top stuffing for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package stove top stuffing mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, stove top stuffing mix, water, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 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: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stove top stuffing meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf
