The Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how incredibly simple this meatloaf is to throw together. There’s no need to chop a dozen ingredients or fuss over fancy seasonings—the stuffing mix already brings all the flavor and texture I need. It holds everything together beautifully, and the result is tender, savory, and satisfying every single time. Plus, I can customize it with whatever sauces or add-ins I have on hand. This is truly the kind of recipe I can make on autopilot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)
1 pound ground beef
2 eggs
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more if desired)
1/2 cup water (add a little more if using very lean beef)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Mix the Meatloaf:
   In a large bowl, I combine the dry stuffing mix, ground beef, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup. I mix it with my hands or a spoon until just combined.

3. Shape and Press:
   I press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, using my hands to smooth it down.

4. Top with Sauce:
   I spread the remaining ketchup on top of the meatloaf for that classic glazed finish. Sometimes I mix in BBQ sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor.

5. Bake:
   I bake the meatloaf for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on my oven. It usually takes around 50 minutes to cook through and set nicely.

6. Let It Rest and Serve:
   I let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Then I serve it alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• I sometimes stir in chopped onions, garlic, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.

• Swapping ketchup for BBQ sauce gives it a smoky twist.

• A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce add deeper savory notes.

• For a different texture, I’ve also tried using ground turkey or a beef-pork blend.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave slices individually or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap slices tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve made this with ground turkey and it turns out just as moist and flavorful. I often add a little extra water if the turkey is especially lean.

Do I need to cook the stuffing before adding it?

Nope! I use the dry stuffing mix straight from the box. It absorbs the moisture from the eggs and water while baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish or divide it into two loaf pans. The bake time may be slightly longer, so I just keep an eye on it.

What’s the best way to tell if the meatloaf is done?

I check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F using a meat thermometer. The top should also be nicely glazed and the edges browned.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the mixture and press it into the pan, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to bake, I add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

This is hands-down the easiest and most foolproof meatloaf I’ve ever made. With just a few pantry staples and almost no prep, I can have a comforting, homemade dinner on the table in under an hour. It’s flavorful, versatile, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding family or just cooking for myself, this recipe is always a winner.

The Easiest and BEST Meatloaf You Will Ever Make

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This quick and easy meatloaf recipe uses Stove Top stuffing for the ultimate shortcut! Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a no-fuss family dinner.

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Ingredients

1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any flavor)

1 pound ground beef

2 eggs

1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup water (adjust if using lean beef)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry stuffing mix, ground beef, eggs, water, and half of the ketchup. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula.

Fill Pan:
Press the meat mixture evenly into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top.

Top and Bake:
Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. You can also substitute or combine with BBQ sauce or chili sauce if desired.

Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, depending on your oven. Meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Rest and Serve:
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, or your favorite sides.

Notes

This is a base recipe, but feel free to add extras like chopped onions, garlic, shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to customize it.

Use BBQ sauce or chili sauce instead of ketchup for a flavor twist.

Great for meal prep or leftovers—slices make excellent meatloaf sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American