There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meatloaf—especially when it’s moist, flavorful, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples.
This Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is one of my go-to dinners when I need something hearty, fuss-free, and family-approved.
Why I Love This Recipe
No need to chop onions or herbs—stuffing mix does the work!
Incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to eggs and ketchup.
Minimal prep, big comfort.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground Beef – I recommend 80/20 for a balance of juiciness and structure.
Stove Top Stuffing Mix – Any flavor works, but savory herbs or turkey stuffing add extra depth.
Eggs – Help bind the loaf together.
Ketchup – Adds tang and sweetness, both inside and on top.
Water – Keeps the stuffing mix moist and ensures a soft texture.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use leaner ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) if you prefer less grease, but don’t go too lean—it may dry out.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to hold its shape better.
Add extra ketchup or BBQ sauce if you love a saucy top.
Want a hint of spice? Mix in chili sauce or sriracha with the ketchup topping.
For more texture, mix in finely diced bell pepper or onion if desired.
How to Make Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard bread loaf pan.
You can also use a lined baking sheet if needed.
Step 2: Mix the meatloaf base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup.
Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until fully combined—don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Shape and transfer
Transfer the meat mixture to your greased loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
If using a baking sheet, shape the meat into a loaf and fold up the foil sides to contain the juices.
Step 4: Add the topping
Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of the loaf.
You can substitute with BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or your favorite combo.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 6: Rest and slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the loaf from falling apart.
What to Serve It With
Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
Green beans, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots
Classic mac and cheese or buttery egg noodles
Dinner rolls or cornbread
Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Try different stuffing flavors like cornbread or savory herb for variety.
Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce, marinara, or even sriracha for a spicy kick.
Add cheese like shredded cheddar into the mix for richness.
Sneak in veggies by adding shredded zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices or the whole loaf (cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months.
Wrap tightly in foil or freezer wrap.
To reheat: Use the microwave for convenience or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Meal prep tip: Slice and pack into containers with sides for quick lunches.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a beef/pork blend work well.
Adjust cooking time slightly if using leaner meats.
What flavor of stuffing mix works best?
Savory herb, turkey, or chicken flavor are all excellent.
Use your favorite—or whatever’s in the pantry.
Do I need to cook the stuffing first?
Nope! Just use the dry mix straight from the box.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two loaf pans or bake as one larger loaf, but increase the baking time and check internal temperature.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the mixture into a free-form loaf on a lined baking sheet.
Just fold the foil up to contain juices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the loaf, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance.
Bake when ready to serve.
Why do I need to let it rest before slicing?
Resting helps keep the juices inside, so your slices stay moist and don’t fall apart.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf has become a family favorite in my home, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor—and it saves time thanks to the stuffing mix shortcut.
Whether you’re new to meatloaf or just need a dependable dinner on a busy night, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.
Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half the ketchup.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Spread remaining ketchup over the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/easy-stove-top-stuffing-meatloaf/
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just reduce water slightly.
- Any flavor of Stove Top stuffing works well, but savory herb is my personal favorite.
- For extra moisture, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to the mix.
