Of course! This iconic, family-favorite recipe is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Consider this your ultimate, never-lose-again guide to the legendary Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf.
—
Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
This recipe represents the beautiful marriage of two classic comfort foods: savory meatloaf and herby, buttery stuffing. By using Stove Top stuffing mix as both a binder and seasoning, it guarantees a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured loaf every single time. It’s famously forgiving, incredibly quick to prepare, and the nostalgic taste consistently wins over both kids and adults. This isn’t just meatloaf; it’s a weeknight dinner hero.
A Brief History & Why It’s a Beloved Classic
The recipe likely emerged in the 1970s-80s, following the widespread popularity of Stove Top stuffing (invented in 1972). Home cooks, always ingenious, discovered the mix’s potential as an all-in-one shortcut for meatloaf, replacing the traditional breadcrumbs and separate seasonings. It spread rapidly through community cookbooks, church potlucks, and family recipe cards—earning its “DO NOT LOSE” status. Its enduring appeal lies in its foolproof nature and the perfect sweet-savory flavor profile that the stuffing provides.
Benefits of This Recipe
· Foolproof & Consistent: Eliminates measuring multiple spices; the mix is the perfect flavor blend.
· Exceptional Texture: Creates a tender, moist loaf that holds together perfectly when sliced.
· Time-Saving: Comes together in about 10 minutes of prep.
· Family-Friendly: A known and beloved flavor that pleases even picky eaters.
· Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, stuffing flavors, and glazes.
The Formation: How It All Comes Together
Unlike traditional meatloaf where breadcrumbs act as a mere binder, the Stove Top stuffing mix hydrates with moisture from the eggs, meat, and vegetables. As it bakes, the breadcrumbs in the mix absorb fats and juices, swelling to create a cohesive, tender matrix that holds the meatloaf together without making it dense. It’s a seamless fusion where the stuffing becomes an integral part of the loaf’s structure and flavor.
—
🍽️ The “Don’t Lose It” Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe 🍽️
INGREDIENTS
· 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 is ideal)
· 1 (6 oz) box Stove Top Stuffing Mix (Savory Herb or Chicken flavor work best)
· 1 cup water
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper (any color, optional but recommended)
· For the Glaze (Optional but iconic):
· 1/2 cup ketchup
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
EQUIPMENT
· 9×5 inch loaf pan
· Large mixing bowl
· Measuring cups/spoons
· Small bowl for glaze
INSTRUCTIONS & METHODS
1. Preparation & Mixing Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, pour the dry stuffing mix and 1 cup of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soften slightly. This is the key step for perfect texture. Add the beaten eggs, diced onion, and bell pepper. Mix well. Finally, add the ground beef. Using your hands (the best tool for the job!), gently but thoroughly combine everything until evenly distributed. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
2. Shaping & Baking Method:
Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Press it down evenly and smooth the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips). Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes.
3. Glazing & Finishing Method:
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for the glaze. After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spoon or brush the glaze evenly over the entire top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
4. Resting Method – CRUCIAL STEP:
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist and slices cleanly. Use a spatula to loosen the edges, then gently lift or tilt the pan to slide the loaf onto a cutting board. Slice and serve.
—
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx. 1/8 of loaf):
· Calories: ~320
· Protein: ~28g
· Carbohydrates: ~22g
· Fat: ~13g
· Sodium: ~580mg
· Note: Values are estimates. Using leaner beef reduces fat. Sodium primarily comes from the stuffing mix and glaze.
Conclusion & Final Tips for Meatloaf Lovers
This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is more than a recipe; it’s a reliable piece of culinary heritage. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, epitomizing the comfort food genre.
For the Lovers & Adaptors:
· Mix It Up: Try using ground turkey or pork blend. Use the Cornbread stuffing mix for a sweeter twist.
· Add-Ins: For extra depth, mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, or a teaspoon of garlic powder into the meat mixture.
· Glaze Variations: Substitute the ketchup glaze with BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, or a mixture of honey and mustard.
· Leftover Magic: Makes phenomenal sandwiches the next day, cold or reheated.
Print this, save it, share it, but most importantly—enjoy it. This is one of those foundational recipes that builds family memories, one delicious, savory slice at a time. Never lose this recipe again!