Amazing 10-min Easy stuffing meatloaf Now

Easy stuffing meatloaf is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed! Hi, I’m Anna! 👩‍🍳 Cooking is my passion, and here on Mom’s Kitchen I share simple, delicious recipes that bring joy and warmth to your table. If you’re looking for meals that come together fast without sacrificing that cozy, home-cooked feeling, you’ve found your spot. I know what it’s like juggling busy schedules, which is why I focus on creating dishes that are reliable, satisfying, and taste like they took hours when they really didn’t.

That’s exactly where this meatloaf shines. It uses ingredients you probably already have tucked away in the pantry—stuffing mix and ground beef—to deliver pure comfort food flavor in under an hour total. I’ve made this specific ground beef recipe dozens of times for my own family, so I can guarantee it’s tender, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Forget messy chopping and complicated steps; this is all about delivering that classic dinner hug without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

Honestly, this meatloaf is the definition of a dinner win. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: fast, flavorful, and incredibly simple. I put this together faster than I can decide what show to watch while it bakes! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a rockstar cook even when you’re running on fumes.

• It’s lightning fast! Prep takes just 10 minutes, total.
• Stuffing mix does all the heavy lifting for flavor and moisture—no extra chopping needed.
• It delivers that classic, satisfying comfort food taste every single time.
• It’s forgiving! Even if you mix it a little too much, it still turns out great.

Quick Preparation Time for Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

When I say quick, I mean it. You’re looking at only 10 minutes of actual hands-on work before this goes into the oven. That means you can get this mixed up right after school lets out or while you’re running through those last few emails. Because we’re using dry stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs and tons of veggies, you skip all the tedious measuring and chopping. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table fast!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

The beauty of this easy stuffing meatloaf is that it relies almost entirely on things I always keep stocked in my pantry. There’s no last-minute frantic trip to the store needed for this one! We’re using standard ground beef, a box of stuffing mix—which acts as our binder and flavoring agent all in one—eggs, and a little bit of water. This recipe is designed for simplicity, so don’t feel the need to hunt down fancy ingredients.

The ketchup is key here because we split it up. We mix some right into the meat mixture for moisture and flavor deep inside, and the rest goes on top as that classic, slightly tangy glaze. Trust me, dividing the ketchup is one of those small steps that makes a big difference in the final flavor profile!

Clear Measurements for This Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

To make sure your meatloaf comes out perfectly moist and holds together beautifully, precision matters, even in a simple recipe like this. Here are the exact amounts you’ll need. Pay close attention to how the ketchup is split!

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground Beef	1 pound	Make sure it’s 80 percent lean for the best texture.
Stuffing Mix	1 box	Chicken or savory herb style works perfectly.
Eggs	2 large	These are essential for binding.
Water	3/4 cup	Do not substitute this with milk!
Ketchup	1/2 cup	Divided: 1/4 cup for inside, 1/4 cup for the top glaze.
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon

Essential Equipment for Baking Your Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this recipe, which is what I love about it! We are sticking to basics here. You’ll need one large bowl for mixing everything up quickly. Make sure it’s big enough so you don’t end up with meat mixture flying onto the counter—oops!

Of course, a standard loaf pan is a must for shaping this easy stuffing meatloaf. If you don’t have one, a small 8×4 inch or 9×5 inch baking pan will work just fine, though the baking time might shift slightly. Finally, grab a sturdy spoon or even just your clean hands for mixing, and a meat thermometer is your best friend for safety!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

This is where the magic happens, and I promise you, it’s almost foolproof. Since we are dealing with ground beef, our main goal is to keep the texture tender, not rubbery. My biggest piece of advice, learned from years of making this easy stuffing meatloaf, is to handle the meat as little as possible. Think of it like petting a nervous cat—gentle and quick!

Preparing the Pan and Mixing the Easy Stuffing Meatloaf Base

First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F. You want it ready to go as soon as you’re done mixing. Give your standard loaf pan a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of oil; we don’t want this sticking later!

Now, grab that large bowl. Dump in your ground beef, the entire box of dry stuffing mix, both eggs, the water, that half teaspoon of pepper, and crucially, only 1/4 cup of your ketchup. Now, mix! Use a wooden spoon or just your hands, but seriously, mix gently. Stop stirring the second you see no more dry pockets of stuffing mix. If you overmix, you’re developing gluten in the meat, and that’s how you get a tough meatloaf. We want tender comfort food, remember?

Shaping and Glazing Your Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

Once it’s just combined, transfer that whole mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon or your clean hands to gently press it down evenly across the bottom. Don’t pack it tightly! Just a nice, level surface. This gentle shaping helps keep the meatloaf light.

Take that remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup and spread it smoothly over the top layer. This creates that beautiful, slightly caramelized crust as it bakes. It looks so simple, but that top layer is essential for the classic flavor we’re aiming for in this ground beef recipe.

Baking Times and Internal Temperature Check for Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

Into the oven it goes! Bake this beauty for 50 to 55 minutes. Now, here is where my expertise comes in handy for your safety and peace of mind: you must check the internal temperature. Don’t just rely on the time! Stick a good food thermometer right into the center of the meatloaf.

You are looking for 160°F. I never pull mine out before it hits that mark—that’s the magic number for safe ground beef. Once it reaches 160°F, pull the pan out and let it rest right there on the counter for five minutes. This resting time lets the juices settle back into the meat, so when you slice into it, it stays moist and doesn’t crumble apart on the plate!

Tips for Success with Your Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

I’ve made enough of these quick dinners to know the few things that really make the difference between a good meatloaf and a *great* one. The first, and I can’t stress this enough, is being gentle when you mix. Seriously, stop stirring the second you can’t see dry stuffing mix anymore. Overworking the meat is the number one enemy of a tender meatloaf!

Also, please invest in a cheap meat thermometer if you don’t have one. It takes all the guesswork out of whether your comfort food is safe to eat. Pulling it out at exactly 160°F guarantees it’s cooked through but still juicy. Finally, don’t skip that five-minute rest period after it comes out of the oven. It seems small, but that rest holds all those delicious juices right where they belong!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Leftover Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

This easy stuffing meatloaf is even better the next day, which is great news for busy folks! Once you’ve let it cool completely after resting, wrap the leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store them in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about three to four days.

Reheating is super simple, too. I find the microwave works fast for a single slice, but if you want to keep that nice crust, try warming it up in a toaster oven or a regular oven set to 325°F until heated through. Here’s a quick guide:

Method	Time/Temperature
Refrigerator Storage	Up to 4 days
Microwave Reheat	30-60 seconds per slice
Oven Reheat	325°F until warmed through

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

I always get a few questions when people make this recipe for the first time, especially because it’s such a staple in my own kitchen. It’s great to see so many of you trying out this simple comfort food classic! Here are the questions I hear most often about making this ground beef recipe perfectly.

Q1. How thick should the ketchup glaze be on top?
Keep it thin! You only need that remaining 1/4 cup spread evenly over the top surface. It’s not meant to be a thick layer; it just needs to coat the surface so it caramelizes nicely during the bake time. If you use too much, it can sometimes steam the meatloaf instead of glazing it.

Q2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients together, press it into the pan, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember, if you bake it straight from the fridge, you might need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the total baking time since the cold mixture takes longer to heat up.

Q3. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you sure can! If you want to lighten this up a bit, swapping the 80/20 ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken works beautifully. Just be aware that leaner meats sometimes dry out faster. If you use turkey, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of water or even a little splash of Worcestershire sauce just to keep that moisture locked in!

Can I substitute the ground beef in this Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

Like I mentioned above, absolutely! This recipe is really flexible if you need to swap out the beef. Ground turkey is my go-to substitute if I’m trying to keep things a little lighter, but ground chicken works just as well. If you use either of those leaner options, just keep an eye on that internal temperature. Sometimes poultry cooks a tiny bit faster or, conversely, can dry out quicker if you aren’t careful.

What is the best way to check if my Easy Stuffing Meatloaf is done

Forget just looking at the top! The only way to know for sure that your easy stuffing meatloaf is done and safe is by using a reliable food thermometer. Stick it right into the thickest part of the center of the loaf. You need to see that thermometer read 160°F. That ensures the ground beef is cooked safely all the way through without being overcooked and dry!

Understanding the Nutrition of This Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

Now, I’m not a nutritionist, so please take these numbers with a grain of salt—they are just estimates based on the standard ingredients I use, especially with the 80/20 ground beef. This is classic comfort food, so it’s hearty! We’ve got a good balance of protein and carbs here, making it a satisfying dinner. If you are concerned about specific dietary needs, please consult a professional.

It’s always smart to know what you’re eating, even when it’s a simple meal. If you’re counting calories or macros, you can always adjust the type of meat you use to shift those numbers!

Nutrient	Estimated Value (Per Serving)
Calories	420
Protein	26g
Fat	24g
Carbohydrates	24g

Remember, these are estimates for one of the six servings. If you cut larger slices, your numbers will change slightly!

Share Your Experience Making This Easy Stuffing Meatloaf

I truly hope this easy stuffing meatloaf brings that cozy, quick dinner feeling to your house! Once you’ve tried this simple recipe, I’d love to hear what you thought. Did the stuffing mix work like magic for you too?

Please hop down to the comments section and leave a rating out of five stars. If you snapped a picture of your beautifully glazed dinner, share it on social media and tag me! Seeing your family enjoying this comfort food makes my whole day! For more information about my site policies, please review my privacy policy.

Print