Have you ever tried Stove Top stuffing meatloaf? If not, you’re in for a treat! This version uses stuffing mix instead of the classic breadcrumb mix, making for a moist, flavorful meatloaf with just 5 ingredients (plus any topping you want). It’s one of my favorite easy meals!
Why Use Stove Top Stuffing Mix in Meatloaf
Using Stove Top stuffing mix in meatloaf is an amazing shortcut because it adds built-in seasoning, great texture, and convenience!
The seasoned bread cubes absorb moisture from the meat and eggs, keeping the meatloaf moist and tender, while also infusing it with savory flavors like herbs, onions, and spices without needing a long ingredient list.
Plus, it acts as a binder, helping hold the meatloaf together beautifully without needing extra breadcrumbs or crackers! This is my favorite meatloaf to make when you don’t have a lot of prep time available, since it comes together so quickly.
I cook my stuffing meatloaf in the air fryer for convenience, since it’s faster than a conventional oven, and gives it a lovely browned crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. However, I’ll give you oven instructions too!
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Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or similar)
- 6 ounce box Stove Top Stuffing mix, any flavor
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup low sodium beef broth (or water)
Topping (optional)
- ½ cup prepared brown gravy
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- A lean ground beef mix of 80/20 or 85/15 is ideal here, since the stuffing absorbs a lot. If you use a leaner beef, add a little extra liquid (like water or some gravy) to compensate. You can also use 1 ½ or 2 pounds of ground beef for this recipe, depending on the ratio you like of meat to filler!
- If you want, you can substitute ground chicken or ground turkey here – the cooking time is approximately the same, but make sure it reaches 165°F for food safety!
- I use savory herbs flavor stuffing mix, but chicken is my other favorite choice. However, you can use any flavor you prefer! If you want to add additional seasonings, you can (though it’s not strictly necessary) – garlic powder and onion powder are some common options!
- Instead of a gravy topper, you can also use a traditional ketchup, bbq sauce, or another glaze of choice – see my other meatloaf recipes section below for various topping ideas!
Step By Step Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the Stove Top stuffing mix, then pour the beef broth over it and stir to mix well
- Add the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and ground beef, and mix until just combined and distributed – do not overmix. I find using your hands is easiest here!
- Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape on a piece of aluminum foil (approximately 3” thick, but it doesn’t need to be exact). If you are air frying it, make sure the loaf is sized to fit in your air fryer’s basket
- Place the meatloaf on the foil into your air fryer’s basket or rack – the foil can stick out around the sides of the meatloaf, but make sure they’re not so long that they contact the heating element at the top
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (165°F for poultry) with a meat thermometer, and add additional time in small increments if needed
- While the meatloaf is cooking, microwave the gravy in a bowl for about 30 seconds, until warmed. Skip this step if you’re using a different topping option
- Transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Pour the gravy over the top just before serving. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Cooking Directions
- Form the loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet (or you can use a greased loaf pan if preferred)
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (165°F for chicken or turkey)
What to Serve With Stuffing Meatloaf
- Mashed potatoes – classic, creamy, and perfect for soaking up any juices or gravy!
- Green beans – either sautéed, roasted, or with a little butter and garlic
- Roasted carrots or root vegetables – sweet and earthy flavors balance the savory meatloaf. Try my Air Fryer Beets and Carrots!
- Macaroni and cheese – rich and comforting for a heartier meal
- Garden salad – something crisp and fresh to lighten the plate
- Cornbread or dinner rolls – especially if you want to lean into a cozy, comfort-food theme. My Air Fryer Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls are a quick and easy option!
- Cranberry sauce – a great, slightly tart contrast that pairs surprisingly well with the flavors in stuffing meatloaf!
Recipe FAQs
Is Meatloaf Made With Stove Top Stuffing Good?
Yes! Stove Top stuffing adds incredible flavor and moisture to meatloaf because it’s already seasoned and has the perfect texture for binding the meat together. It’s an easy shortcut that still tastes homemade.
Can I Use Stove Top Stuffing Instead Of Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Stove Top stuffing can replace bread crumbs in most meatloaf recipes. Since the stuffing is already seasoned, you may want to adjust or omit the other spices and salt in your recipe.
Can I Make Stuffing Meatloaf With a Mix of Meat?
Yes, using a mix like beef, pork, and veal (often called a meatloaf mix) can make the stuffing meatloaf even juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to monitor the fat content so the meatloaf doesn’t become too greasy!
Can I Make Stuffing Meatloaf Without a Sweet Tomato Glaze?
Definitely. If you prefer, you can use a savory glaze like a mushroom gravy, a simple beef gravy, or even skip the glaze entirely for a more traditional, rustic meatloaf flavor!
Tips For the Best Stuffing Meatloaf
- In a hurry? You can form into smaller mini meatloaves or meatloaf muffins for a faster cooking time. See my other meatloaf recipes below for cooking instructions for different sizes!
- I make this recipe in my Ninja air fryer. Cooking times can vary between different appliances, as well as based on your specific loaf size and ingredients used (such as various meats). For best results, check temperature with an instant-read thermometer, and add cooking time in small increments to prevent overcooking
Make Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: You can mix and shape the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking
- Freeze Before Baking: Wrap the shaped, uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake or air fry as directed. I do not recommend cooking from frozen when it’s a whole loaf, as the outside can over brown by the time the inside cooks
Storage and Leftovers Ideas
- Fridge: Store leftover stuffing meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze leftover slices (or a whole loaf) for quick future dinners. Reheat slices directly from frozen in the microwave, air fryer, or oven for best results (I recommend defrosting a whole loaf overnight in the fridge for easier reheating)
- Leftovers Ideas: Use slices for hearty sandwiches, crumble into pasta sauces, add to wraps, or chop into an omelet for a fun twist on breakfast!
- Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
Final Thoughts
This Stove Top stuffing meatloaf recipe is a simple and delicious shortcut when it comes to preparing this classic comfort food! Cut it down to just 5 basic ingredients (plus a topping of choice) and you have one easy dinner recipe.
I like to pair mine with mashed potatoes since it goes perfectly with the gravy topping, but you can add all sorts of other starches and veggies to make this a new family favorite!
For more great comfort food ideas made simple, check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes for some inspiration!
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Nonstick foil (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or similar)
- 6 ounce box Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup low sodium beef broth (or water)
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup prepared brown gravy
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the Stove Top stuffing mix, then pour the beef broth over it and stir to mix well. Add the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and ground beef, and mix until just combined and distributed – do not overmix. I find using your hands is easiest here!6 ounce box Stove Top stuffing mix, 2 large eggs, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ¾ cup low sodium beef broth, 1 pound ground beef
- Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape on a piece of aluminum foil (approximately 2 1/2-3” thick, but it doesn’t need to be exact). If you are air frying it, make sure the loaf is sized to fit in your air fryer’s basket
- Place the meatloaf on the foil into your air fryer’s basket or rack – the foil can stick out around the sides of the meatloaf, but make sure they’re not so long that they contact the heating element at the top
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (165°F for poultry) with a meat thermometer, and add additional time in small increments if needed (times can vary between different air fryers and depending on specific loaf size). While the meatloaf is cooking, microwave the gravy in a bowl for about 30 seconds, until warmed. Skip this if you’re using a different topping option½ cup prepared brown gravy
- Transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Pour the gravy over the top just before serving. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Form the loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet (or you can use a greased loaf pan if preferred)
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (165°F for chicken or turkey)
Notes
- A ground beef of 80/20 or 85/15 lean to fat ratio is ideal here, since the stuffing absorbs a lot! If you use a leaner beef, add a little extra liquid (like water or some gravy) to compensate. You could also use 1 ½ or 2 pounds of ground beef for this recipe, depending on the ratio you like of meat to filler!
- If you want, you can substitute ground chicken or ground turkey here – the cooking time is approximately the same, but make sure it reaches 165°F for food safety!
- I use savory herbs flavor stuffing mix, but chicken is my other favorite choice. However, you can use any flavor you prefer!
- Instead of a gravy topper, you can also use a traditional ketchup, BBQ sauce, or another glaze of choice – see my other meatloaf recipes section above for various topping ideas!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
