Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

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🍽️ Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf 😋

Don’t LOSE this Recipe 😍 A Comfort-Food Classic the Whole Family Loves!

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like home, this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is exactly what you need. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this recipe combines seasoned ground beef with the savory goodness of stuffing and buttery crackers for a tender, satisfying loaf every time. It’s a weeknight hero, a Sunday dinner favorite, and a recipe that brings everyone back to the table asking for seconds.

🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 box Stove Top Stuffing Mix (any flavor, prepared dry)
  • 1½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 48 crackers)

Binding & Flavor

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup milk or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

  • Extra ketchup or barbecue sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Mix
    In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, Stove Top stuffing mix, and crushed Ritz crackers.
  3. Add the Binders
    Add eggs, milk (or broth), ketchup, and seasonings. Gently mix with clean hands or a spoon until just combined.
    ⚠️ Do not overmix — this keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.
  4. Shape the Meatloaf
    Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet.
  5. Top It Off
    Spread ketchup or barbecue sauce evenly over the top for that classic glazed finish.
  6. Bake
    Bake uncovered for 60–70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest & Serve
    Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together perfectly.

🔥 Cooking Methods & Variations

Oven-Baked (Classic Method)

  • Best for even cooking and a traditional texture.

Sheet-Pan Style

  • Shape free-form on parchment for crispier edges.

Muffin-Tin Meatloaf

  • Divide into muffin cups for faster cooking and perfect portions (bake 25–30 minutes).

Flavor Variations

  • Add shredded cheese for extra richness
  • Mix in Worcestershire sauce for depth
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version

📜 A Little History

Meatloaf has been a staple in American kitchens since the early 1900s, rising in popularity during times when families needed to stretch ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Over time, creative additions like crackers, breadcrumbs, and boxed stuffing mixes turned meatloaf into the beloved comfort dish we know today. The use of Stove Top Stuffing is a modern shortcut that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

🧩 Formation & Texture Secrets

  • Stuffing mix adds herbs, seasoning, and moisture
  • Ritz crackers provide a buttery softness
  • Eggs & milk bind everything together
  • Resting time ensures clean slices

The result? A moist, tender meatloaf that never feels dry.

❤️ Why People Love This Recipe

  • Easy pantry ingredients
  • Family-friendly flavors
  • Perfect for leftovers and sandwiches
  • Customizable to taste
  • Comfort food at its finest

This is one of those recipes people save, share, and request again and again.

✅ Conclusion

This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is more than just dinner — it’s a warm, satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to the table. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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