Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
“Don’t Lose This Recipe!”
Makes: 2 large meatloaves or 1 extra-large loaf
Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: ~60 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Meatloaf
2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
1 box (6 oz / 170 g) Stove Top Stuffing Mix (Savory Herb or Chicken)
1½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 48 crackers)
1 small onion, very finely diced
½ cup finely diced bell pepper (optional, any color)
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Topping (Highly Recommended!)
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a large loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil/parchment.
2️⃣ Prepare the Stuffing Base
In a large mixing bowl, add:
Stove Top stuffing mix
Crushed Ritz crackers
Pour in 1 cup milk
Stir and let it soak for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf
Add to the softened stuffing:
Ground beef
Eggs
Onion
Bell pepper (if using)
½ cup ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley
Mix gently with hands or spoon just until combined.
(Do NOT overmix or the meatloaf will be dense.)
4️⃣ Shape
Press mixture into:
One large loaf OR
Two medium loaves (great for leftovers/freezing)
5️⃣ Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
¾ cup ketchup
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard (optional)
Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C):
60–70 minutes for one large loaf
50–60 minutes for two smaller loaves
Internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing (important for juicy slices!)
SERVING IDEAS
Serve with:
Mashed potatoes
Green beans or corn
Mac & cheese
Buttered bread or rolls
TIPS & VARIATIONS
Extra moist: Add ¼ cup sour cream or mayo to the mix
Cheesy: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
Turkey version: Swap beef for ground turkey (add 2 extra tbsp milk)
Freeze-friendly: Unbaked or baked meatloaf freezes well
