Meatloaf with Stovetop Stuffing

 

This meatloaf recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal prep time. The use of Stovetop Stuffing mix adds moisture and a subtle savory flavor to the meatloaf, while the combination of seasonings creates a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (you can also use a mixture of beef and pork for added flavor)
• 1 (6 oz) box of Stovetop Stuffing mix (any flavor except cornbread)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup (you can substitute with barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• A splash of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional ketchup (or sauce of choice) for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf will cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dry Stovetop Stuffing mix, eggs, water, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together thoroughly. The dry stuffing mix will absorb the liquid, making the mixture slightly thicker and very flavorful.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Once the meat mixture is well combined, transfer it onto a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Shape the meat into a loaf shape, ensuring it’s compact but not too tightly packed, so that the fat can drain as it cooks. The broiler pan is ideal because it allows any excess grease to drip away from the meatloaf.
4. Top with Ketchup: Brush the top of the meatloaf with a generous amount of ketchup (or your sauce of choice, such as barbecue sauce or even a mixture of ketchup and mustard). This creates a nice glaze that will caramelize as it bakes.
5. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If you like a more caramelized topping, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Rest Before Serving: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf more tender and easier to slice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or any of your favorite side dishes. The leftovers also make excellent sandwiches!

Tips:

• If you prefer a more decadent meatloaf, you can stuff the center with cheese or bacon before baking.
• To make this recipe even more flavorful, consider adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
• This meatloaf freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for freezing.

This comforting meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. The dry Stovetop Stuffing not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meatloaf moist, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing meal!