Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix

Are you looking for a budget-friendly and delicious meal that will please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further than this recipe for Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf! This easy-to-make meatloaf transforms ordinary Stove Top stuffing into a flavorful and moist dish that will become a family favorite in no time.

I recently discovered the magic of using Stove Top stuffing in meatloaf, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The combination of the stuffing mix with fatty ground beef creates a juicy and perfectly seasoned meatloaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? You only need four simple ingredients and minimal prep work to whip up this comforting meal.

With its budget-friendly nature and simple preparation, this Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The versatility of this dish allows for easy customization to suit different tastes, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that proves that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most delicious.

Quick Benefits

• Budget-Friendly: Feeds four people for under $10, making it a cost-effective meal option.
• Convenient and Time-Saving: Requires minimal prep work with just four simple ingredients, perfect for busy families.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to different tastes by adding vegetables, cheese, or seasonings, making it suitable for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared in advance, either chilling for up to a day or freezing for up to three months, allowing for flexibility in meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix Recipe

• Here’s why you will love this Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf:
• Simple and Quick: With just four inexpensive ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Moist and Flavorful: The Stove Top stuffing adds ready-made seasoning and ideal consistency to the meatloaf, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly: Feeding a family of four for under $10, this recipe showcases how delicious meals can be made on a budget without compromising on taste.
• Customizable: Easily tweak this recipe to suit different tastes – from adding chopped veggies or cheese to making individual portions for picky eaters.
• Seasonal Pairings: Pair this meatloaf with seasonal produce to keep the meal interesting all year round, adding variety to your dinner table.
• Make-ahead Option: Ideal for busy families, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance, allowing you to cook it whenever you’re ready – perfect for meal prepping.
• Trusted Standby: This upgraded meatloaf will become your go-to recipe for a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone loves, offering convenience, taste, and value in one dish.
• Surprisingly Delicious: Despite its simple ingredients, this meatloaf turns out to be a special and flavorful dish that exceeds expectations – a perfect example of simple cooking at its best.

Ingredients for Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup, split in half
• 2 big eggs
• 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (whatever flavor you like)
• 1 pound fatty ground beef (the juicier kind works better)

Pro Tips for Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix

Pro Tip 1: Opt for fatty ground beef to ensure a juicy meatloaf. Lean meats can result in a drier dish, so the fat content plays a crucial role in the overall juiciness and flavor. The fat in the ground beef contributes to a moist texture and enhances the taste of the meatloaf.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with additional ingredients to customize the meatloaf to your family’s preferences. Consider adding finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. For a fun twist, try making individual portions in a muffin tin and topping them with mashed potatoes for “meatloaf cupcakes” that appeal to picky eaters and add a creative touch to the meal.

Pro Tip 3: Make meal prep easier by preparing the meatloaf ahead of time. Form the raw meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. For longer storage, shape the raw mix into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, adjusting the cooking time as needed. These make-ahead options save time and make dinner planning a breeze.

How to Make Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix

Step 1: Heat your oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Combine everything

In a large bowl, combine beef, dry stuffing, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Shape it up

Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Alternatively, shape the mixture into a loaf on foil on a baking sheet, bending the edges of the foil up to contain juices for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Cover the top

Spread the remaining ketchup on top or substitute with BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of sauces.

Step 5: Cook it through

Bake for 45-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Cool and dig in

Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or your preferred side dishes.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf, you have a few options for storing the finished dish. If you plan to cook it within a day, you can mix and form the raw meatloaf, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This method allows for a do-ahead option that saves time on busy days.

For longer storage, you can shape the raw meatloaf mix into a loaf, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and then freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the pre-made meatloaf, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking it as directed. Remember to adjust the baking time by adding 1-2 minutes to ensure it cooks through properly. This method is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for future dinners.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this meatloaf recipe a bit leaner, you can consider using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of the fatty ground beef. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may not be as juicy as fatty beef, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or extra ketchup to help keep the meatloaf moist.

For a vegetarian version of this meatloaf, you can try using a plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond Meat or lentils. To maintain the savory flavor and texture provided by the Stove Top stuffing, consider adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.

If you prefer a different flavor profile or want to experiment with different seasonings, feel free to use a different flavor of Stove Top stuffing mix. You can also customize the meatloaf by adding in your favorite herbs, spices, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added richness, as mentioned in the article. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and adapting recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf, try serving it sliced on a platter garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. For a fun twist, cut the meatloaf into smaller portions and serve as “meatloaf sliders” on mini buns with a dollop of ketchup or barbecue sauce on top. This dish pairs well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic and comforting meal that will surely impress your guests.

For a creative serving suggestion, consider making individual meatloaf muffins by baking the mixture in a muffin tin. Top each muffin with a dollop of mashed potatoes for a “cupcake” effect. This presentation is perfect for portion control and adds a playful touch to the meal, making it appealing for both kids and adults. Serve these meatloaf muffins alongside a colorful mixed salad for a well-rounded and visually appealing plate.

FAQs for Savory Meatloaf Recipe with Stuffing Mix

Can I use lean ground beef instead of fatty ground beef for this meatloaf?

You can use lean ground beef for this recipe, but keep in mind that using fatty ground beef will result in a juicier meatloaf. If using lean ground beef, consider adding a little extra moisture like a splash of beef broth or an additional egg to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry.

Can I substitute the Stove Top Stuffing with homemade breadcrumbs or another type of stuffing mix?

While you can experiment with substituting the Stove Top Stuffing with homemade breadcrumbs or another stuffing mix, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the meatloaf may vary. Stove Top Stuffing is specifically designed to bring seasoning and moisture to the dish, so it’s recommended to use it for the best results.

How can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

To prepare this meatloaf ahead of time, you can mix and form the raw meatloaf up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and chill it until you’re ready to bake. If you want to store it for longer, shape the raw mix into a loaf, wrap it well in plastic and foil, then freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What are some suggested side dishes to serve with this Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes depending on the season. In summer, try fresh corn salad or watermelon. For fall, consider roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts. Winter calls for hearty root veggies, and spring goes well with asparagus or light green salads. These side dishes complement the flavors of the meatloaf and add variety to the meal.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf becomes a staple in your home, just like it has in mine! It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s so comforting and delicious. The versatility of this meatloaf allows you to customize it to suit your family’s tastes, making it a go-to option for even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or a make-ahead option for busy days, this meatloaf has got you covered. So, embrace the magic of Stove Top stuffing and juicy ground beef, and treat your loved ones to a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the table. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite of this scrumptious Delicious Stuffing Mix Meatloaf!