I enjoy serving classic comfort food; it makes people feel good. My meatloaf using stuffing mix is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s tender, full of flavor, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. I like serving this when I want to feed a crowd or make a cozy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meatloaf Using Stuffing Mix
One Sunday afternoon, friends stopped by unexpectedly. I wanted them to stay for dinner, so I needed a hearty main dish that didn’t require a grocery trip. I grabbed ground beef, a box of stuffing mix, and a few basics. By the time the meatloaf came out of the oven, the kitchen smelled amazing. The stuffing mix adds the perfect seasoning and texture; everything comes together in one bowl, and it bakes in about an hour. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday supper with guests, this simple recipe proves you don’t need anything fancy to create a meal everyone will love.
For another cozy dinner idea, try the Sticky-Tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs; it’s another crowd favorite that turns ordinary nights into something special.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground beef: I prefer 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use half beef and half pork or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Stuffing mix: Boxed stuffing like Stove Top adds seasoning and texture. Choose any flavor; savory herb, cornbread, or turkey all work beautifully.
- Eggs: Help bind the loaf and keep it from falling apart. Bring them to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Ketchup: Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness. If you prefer smoky flavor, swap in barbecue sauce.
- Yellow mustard: Balances the richness of the beef and ketchup glaze.
- Beef broth: Keeps the loaf tender; chicken broth or water works too, but beef broth deepens the flavor.
- Dried minced onion: Adds flavor without chopping. Fresh grated onion is a fine swap.
- Glaze: A mix of ketchup and brown sugar for that perfect sweet-tangy finish. If I’m making this for guests, I double the glaze; it makes the top shiny and irresistible.
Stuffing mix has built-in seasoning and herbs, making the meatloaf flavorful without extra steps.
How To Make Meatloaf Using Stuffing Mix
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the ground beef, stuffing mix, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, minced onion, and garlic powder. I like to use my hands to gently mix everything together until combined. You don’t want to overmix; the texture should stay soft and easy to shape.
Shape the Loaf & Bake
Divide the mixture between the two loaf pans. Press it gently into shape, about three inches thick. Spread a thin layer of ketchup glaze on top.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. When it’s done, the glaze will be caramelized, and the aroma will fill your kitchen.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. If there’s excess grease, tilt the pan slightly and spoon it out before serving. Serve warm with ketchup.
Yes! Shape the loaf a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Add enough broth and avoid overmixing. A little extra glaze helps keep it moist too.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or crushed gluten-free crackers with Italian seasoning.
Ground turkey or pork: You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork. Just remember that lean meats cook faster, so shorten the bake time slightly and add a little extra broth.
Mini meatloaves: Divide into muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Slow cooker version: Shape the loaf, place it in a slow cooker, add glaze, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Instant Pot version: Wrap the loaf in foil, add 1 cup of water to the pot, and pressure cook for 25 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes. Broil for 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Flavor add-ins: Mix in diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. You can even add a handful of chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Hospitality Challenge
Host a “Quiet Comfort Supper” for someone who is weary. Keep the menu simple with your meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and green beans so you can focus on listening. For something cozy to nibble on, you can add a slice of Cheddar and Rosemary Savory Zucchini Bread. Finish the meal with a light dessert like Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip served with fresh fruit.
Set the table with soft light, a small note card at each plate that says “How can I pray for you this week,” and a basket for phones to keep the space unhurried. After eating, ask if you can pray for one specific burden and briefly share how Jesus has carried you in a hard season. Read this before dessert for gentle hope: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV).
More Hearty Dinners Made Easy
- Old-Fashioned Coney Sauce Made From Scratch
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing
- Creamed Chicken in Crock Pot, Rich Flavor and Simple Prep
- Apple Roasted Pork Chops with Cinnamon-Glaze
- Easy Maple Glazed Pork Chops in 20 Minutes
I hope this meatloaf using stuffing mix helps make your next dinner or gathering a little more special. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Meatloaf Using Stuffing Mix That’s Tender and Juicy
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Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef, grass feed, 80% lean
- 6 ounces stuffing mix, boxed, such as Stove Top, any flavor
- 2 eggs, large
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon dried onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease two 9.5×5 loaf baking pans
Mix the Meatloaf Base
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs.2 eggs
- Add the ground beef, stuffing mix, beef broth, ¼ cup of ketchup, mustard, dried minced onion, and garlic powder.2 pounds ground beef, 6 ounces stuffing mix, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon dried onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Mix gently with clean hands or a large spoon until just combined. Do not over mix or the meatloaf may become dense. * I like to use latex disposable gloves when mixing meat.
Shape the Loaf
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pans.
- Shape it into a loaf about 3 inches thick.
- Spread the ketchup glaze in a thin layer over the tops.1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup
Bake the Meatloaf
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with a meat thermometer.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. * Note, if you meat seems greasy I like to tip the pan slightly while it cools. Then slice and remove for the high end first and then sliding up the meat out of the grease as I slice.
- Serve warm with ketchup.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Refrigerate: Let your meatloaf cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Slice, wrap each piece in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat a slice for 1 to 2 minutes covered with a damp paper towel.
- Oven: Warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Hosting tip: Slice and arrange on a platter, cover with foil, and keep warm in a 200°F oven until serving.
