Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this meatloaf recipe. It’s simple, quick, and requires only a few ingredients you might already have at home. The use of Stove Top stuffing not only adds flavor but also makes the meatloaf moist and tender. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone enjoys a hearty slice of meatloaf, whether for dinner or as leftovers in a sandwich. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting meal.
How to Make the Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make
Ingredients:
- 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup (or more if you’d like)
- 1/2 cup water (or a little more if your beef is super lean)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a bread loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dry stuffing mix, ground beef, eggs, water, and HALF of the ketchup.
- Fill the prepared pan with your mixture and use your hands to evenly squish it down into the pan.
- Top it with the remaining ketchup and spread it evenly over the top. You can also use BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of sauces.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes (it takes about 50 minutes in my oven).
- Enjoy! I’d wait a few minutes before slicing it up. Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, or anything else you’d like.
How to Serve the Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make
Meatloaf is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can slice it and serve it hot right from the oven with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding some dinner rolls or biscuits for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, serve cold slices in a sandwich with your favorite condiments.
How to Store the Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make
To store any leftovers, place the meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make the Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make
- Don’t overmix the ingredients. This can make the meatloaf tough.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more water.
- You can customize the flavor by adding your favorite spices or herbs like garlic powder or oregano.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, mix some grated cheese into the meatloaf mixture.
Variation
Feel free to customize the stuffing flavor or add in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added nutrition. Another variation is to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day.
3. What can I do with leftover meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf can be delicious in sandwiches, chopped up in salads, or reheated as a main dish. You can also crumble it and use it in meatloaf tacos!
Easiest and BEST Meatloaf
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious meatloaf recipe that combines ground beef with Stove Top stuffing for a moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bread loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dry stuffing mix, ground beef, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup.
- Fill the prepared pan with the mixture and press it down evenly.
- Top with the remaining ketchup and spread it evenly on top.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes (about 50 minutes in my oven).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. Customize with spices, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American