Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf

3

Prep time 15 minutes

Cooking time 1 hour

Total time 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is my go-to when dinner feels like a chore but I still want something that tastes homemade and cozy. You know those nights when you want comfort food without babysitting five pots on the stove? This recipe delivers that, with a quick mix, a simple glaze, and a juicy slice that pairs with anything. No special equipment. No complicated steps. Just a dependable, family-friendly dinner that makes the house smell amazing.

Quick & Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients and Swaps

This is a classic meatloaf with a smart shortcut: boxed stuffing. The seasoned bread crumbs soak up moisture, help bind the meat, and bring tons of flavor. Here’s what you need and how you can swap things if your pantry is looking bare.

The Story Behind This Recipe

Hey, I’m Cuts Food! This Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf was built for real kitchens: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is my go-to when dinner feels like a chore but I still want something that tastes homemade and cozy. You know…

Cuts Food

• 1 pound ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean is best for juicy results)
• 1 box Stove Top stuffing, 6 ounces, any flavor you like
• 3/4 cup water or beef broth, for softening the stuffing mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, very finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Glaze: 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard

Swaps and tips:

If using lean ground turkey, add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or a splash of milk for extra moisture. No onion? Use 1 teaspoon onion powder. Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If your stuffing mix is very dry, bump the liquid to 1 cup.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it. You can also use a loaf pan, but a free-form loaf browns better around the edges.
• In a bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the water or broth. Let it sit 5 minutes to soften.
• In a large bowl, add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the softened stuffing. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the loaf can turn dense.
• Shape into a loaf about 8 by 4 inches on the prepared tray. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and spread half over the top.
• Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F. Brush on the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes.
• Rest 10 minutes before slicing. This settles the juices so every slice stays moist.
• For mini loaves: Shape into 4 minis and bake 25 to 30 minutes. For muffin pan meatloaf: 18 to 22 minutes.

“I made this on a weeknight with what I had on hand and my picky eater asked for seconds. The stuffing shortcut is genius. Juicy, sliceable, and so easy.” – Katie R.

If you like the classics with a twist, you might also enjoy this quick air fryer turkey meatloaf for nights when the oven is tied up.

What To Serve This With

Meatloaf is a natural with creamy potatoes, bright veggies, or a comforting soup on the side. Keep it simple with what you already love. Here are a few easy ideas:

• Creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots or broccoli with olive oil and salt
• Side salad with ranch or a honey mustard drizzle
• Butter noodles topped with parsley and a pat of butter
• To double down on cozy, make a pan of stuffing balls for a bready side you can dunk in any extra glaze
• Serve with a cup of soup on chilly nights, like this simple crockpot lasagna soup
• For dessert, keep it classic with a warm fruit treat like this easy blackberry cobbler

Any of those will round out a plate and make your Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf feel special without extra work.

How to Make Meatloaf with Stove Top Stuffing

Why Stove Top Stuffing Works

Using stuffing mix is a smart shortcut because it already includes seasoned bread crumbs. You get flavor and texture in one step. The breadcrumbs trap juices so the loaf doesn’t dry out, and they help the meat hold together. Plus, those little bits of herb seasoning make every slice taste like Sunday dinner with almost no effort. When you want an Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf that’s reliable and fast, this trick is a lifesaver.

Shaping and Baking Tips

Shape the mixture into a loaf that’s not too tall. A flatter loaf cooks more evenly and browns better. If you bake in a loaf pan, the sides steam more, which keeps moisture in, but the top will be the main spot that browns. Free-form loaves on a sheet tray get those nicely caramelized edges many of us love.

Use a thermometer. Pulling the loaf at 160°F is a small step that makes a big difference. Overbaking is the fastest way to dry out a meatloaf. Also, let it rest. That 10-minute pause helps slices stay neat and juicy.

Want to try poultry next time? Turkey can be great too. Add a little moisture boost like a splash of milk or olive oil, and check it a few minutes early since it can cook faster. If oven time is tight, try this easy air fryer turkey meatloaf for a quick spin on the same cozy idea. Either way, you’ll still get that homestyle feel from your Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf.

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

Cool leftovers until just warm, then pack slices in airtight containers. You can wrap the whole loaf too, but slices reheat more evenly.

In the fridge: 3 to 4 days. In the freezer: up to 3 months. For freezing, wrap slices in plastic, then place into a freezer bag. Label the date so you remember what’s what.

Reheating: Microwave slices in short bursts with a splash of broth or water and a cover, or warm in a 300°F oven, wrapped in foil, for 12 to 15 minutes. Add a spoonful of ketchup glaze if you like it saucy.

Remix ideas: Leftover meatloaf makes amazing sandwiches with toasted bread, pickles, and a swipe of mayo. You can also dice it and stir into buttery potatoes for a quick meal, or tuck it into a skillet dinner inspired by a hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole. Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf leftovers are basically meal prep you’ll actually want to eat.

Expert Tips

Let the stuffing hydrate. Give the stuffing mix a full 5 minutes with the liquid so it softens completely. If it looks dry, add another splash of water or broth.

Mix gently. Use your hands or a fork and stop as soon as everything looks combined. Overmixing can pack the meat too tightly.

Balance the moisture. Eggs and the hydrated stuffing create a perfect binder. If you swap in turkey or very lean beef, add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or milk to keep it tender.

Glaze twice. Brushing on half the glaze at the start builds a base layer. Adding more near the end gives you that glossy finish and sweet-savory flavor.

Rest before slicing. This is the difference between juicy slices and juice on the cutting board. Ten minutes makes it better. Your Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf will slice like a dream.

Common Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Add a splash of milk or olive oil for moisture, and check doneness a few minutes early. Pull turkey meatloaf at 165°F.

Do I have to use a loaf pan?
No. A free-form loaf on a sheet tray cooks evenly and gets crispier edges. A loaf pan keeps it extra moist. Both work.

Why did my meatloaf fall apart?
Usually it needs more binding or rest time. Make sure the stuffing is hydrated, include eggs, and let the loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely. Mix and shape up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and chill. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time if it goes in cold.

How can I make it sweeter or spicier?
Add a little more brown sugar to the glaze for sweet. For heat, try a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce in the mix.

Ready to Make It Tonight?

If you’re craving comfort without hassle, this Easy Savory Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf checks every box. It’s simple, sliceable, and full of flavor thanks to that smart stuffing shortcut. Want to see how others riff on the idea? I like how this version breaks it down in The Best Meatloaf (Made with Stove Top Stuffing), and this approach in SIMPLE STOVE TOP STUFFING MEATLOAF keeps it totally doable for busy nights. Grab a box of stuffing, a pound of beef, and you’re basically there. Can’t wait to hear how your dinner turns out.