On nights when time feels tight and everyone’s hungry, this recipe saves the day. The Best Meatloaf Recipe mixes up in five minutes flat, thanks to a humble box of Stove Top Stuffing. It’s hearty, flavorful, and beautifully tender perfect for family dinners when comfort and simplicity matter most. With six servings and about 50 minutes in the oven, dinner’s handled.
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Why This Is the Best Meatloaf You’ll Ever Make
This meatloaf wins because the stuffing mix does the heavy lifting. It replaces breadcrumbs and seasonings, giving you perfect flavor and texture every time. You don’t need to measure salt or herbs the mix already balances it. Also, higher-fat ground beef keeps everything juicy, while optional add-ins like onions, cheese, or garlic bring it to your taste. Every slice stays moist, never crumbly, and always delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
Optional add-ins: diced onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a touch of chili powder for spice. You can also swap ketchup for BBQ or chili sauce if you like a smokier or bolder taste.
Step-By-Step: How to Make the Best Meatloaf
Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half the ketchup. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix doing so can make the loaf dense instead of tender.
Shape and Top the Loaf
Next, place the mixture in a greased loaf pan or shape it by hand on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup, BBQ sauce, or your chosen topping evenly across the top. This coating caramelizes as it bakes, sealing in the juices.
Bake Until Juicy and Tender
Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, depending on your oven. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat. If it’s browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Rest and Slice
Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step helps the juices settle so every slice stays clean and moist.
Tips for the Juiciest Meatloaf
For the best texture, use ground beef with a bit more fat (around 80/20). The stuffing mix absorbs that moisture, creating a soft, flavorful crumb. If you’re using lean beef, add a splash more water, milk, or even an extra egg. You can customize the flavor by mixing in herbs like thyme, parsley, or a pinch of paprika. Also, cheese melts beautifully inside, adding richness.
If you enjoy flavorful one-pan meals, try pairing this dish with sides inspired by my Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes or make it alongside the Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet for a balanced weeknight menu.
Storing Leftover Meatloaf
Cool leftovers completely before slicing. Wrap slices in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost them overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat Meatloaf Without Drying It Out
To reheat in the oven, set it to 250°F. Place slices in a baking dish with a bit of broth or water, then cover tightly with foil. Warm for 20–25 minutes. For crisp edges, heat slices in a skillet with a small drizzle of oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to a great meat loaf?
Moisture and balance. Using a stuffing mix keeps it flavorful and evenly seasoned, while eggs and ketchup add tenderness and depth.
What gives meatloaf the best flavor?
Fat and seasoning. The Stove Top Stuffing adds herbs, salt, and savory notes, and higher-fat beef boosts the taste. Add-ins like garlic or BBQ sauce can also enhance flavor.
What are the best ingredients for meatloaf?
Ground beef, eggs, stuffing mix, and ketchup make a classic base. From there, customize with onions, cheese, or fresh herbs for your perfect flavor mix.
How does Gordon Ramsay make meatloaf?
He typically layers ground beef with seasonings, eggs, and a tangy glaze. While this recipe takes a simpler route, the idea of sealing in flavor with a top sauce is much the same.
More Such Recipes
- Easy Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
- Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy
- Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Conclusion
The Best Meatloaf Recipe truly lives up to its name. It’s quick, satisfying, and easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand. Whether you swap sauces or sneak in veggies, it always turns out moist and flavorful. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a dependable, family-favorite dinner you’ll want to make again soon. For more inspiration, check out my cooking posts on Pinterest and Facebook.
The Best Meatloaf | Simple & Delicious Family Favorite
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This quick and flavorful meatloaf uses Stove Top Stuffing for incredible texture and taste. With only 5 minutes of prep, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that’s moist, hearty, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
Optional: diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, BBQ or chili sauce for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water, and half the ketchup until combined.
3. Do not overmix; stop once ingredients look evenly blended.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape by hand on a foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Spread remaining ketchup, BBQ sauce, or chili sauce evenly on top.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use ground beef with a bit of fat for extra juiciness; lean meat can dry out.
If using lean beef, add 2 tablespoons milk or an extra egg for moisture.
Stuffing mix replaces breadcrumbs and seasonings for perfect flavor balance.
Store leftovers wrapped in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in the oven at 250°F with a little broth for 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A