Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Alright, mate, let's get stuck into this then! you ever have one of those days where only proper comfort food will do? yeah, me too.
That’s when i reckon stove top stuffing meatloaf comes into its own! it’s basically a meatloaf, but with a twist.
It's dead easy.
Quick Comfort: Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Is Here!
Fancy something savoury and familiar? right then! get ready for a meatloaf mash-up that'll bring back memories of big sunday dinners.
We're talking moist, flavourful, and just the right amount of herby goodness. get ready for one of the easiest cheapest dinners out there!
What's the Story, Meatloaf?
Okay, so meatloaf’s been around for ages, right? a proper staple. this version adds a bit of modern flair. it's simple enough to knock together on a weeknight, and satisfying enough to please everyone.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. ideal for a family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Meatloaf
Honestly, it's the flavour that gets me. the stove top stuffing mix just adds a lovely herby kick and keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist.
You can serve this on a chilly evening. it’s a real hug in a dish. plus, let's be honest, anything that makes use of up ground beef is a win in my book.
Perfect for those trying to find recipes with ground beef and tortillas .
Ready to get cooking? I reckon we should crack on with the ingredients then.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing stove top stuffing meatloaf ! honestly, it's easier than you think.
And the taste? oh my gosh, it's like a warm hug after a long day. forget those easiest cheapest dinners that taste, well, cheap.
This recipe is packed with flavour and won't break the bank!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, so, for the star of the show, the meatloaf itself:
- You'll need 2 lbs (900g) of ground beef. An 80/20 blend is best. You want a bit of fat for flavour. Don't go too lean, or it'll be dry.
- Grab 1 package (6 oz / 170g) of Stove Top Stuffing Mix. Any flavor will do! I like the chicken one.
- Then, 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth. It makes the stuffing super moist. Trust me on this.
- 1 medium yellow onion . Finely chopped. No one likes big chunks of onion.
- Also, 2 large eggs , lightly beaten.
- And, 1/4 cup (60ml) of ketchup. Yep, ketchup!
- Last but not least 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, it is optional, taste after mixing.
Quality indicators? For the ground beef, look for a nice, bright red colour. Don't use anything that looks gray or smells off. The stove top stuffing meatloaf needs quality!
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens! We are going to use flavour enhancers and aromatics to make this recipe great! It is a recipe that is definitely a taco style recipes !
Essential spice combinations? Garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce are a must. Don't skip them.
Flavor enhancers? A little brown sugar in the glaze can do wonders.
Quick substitution options? No Worcestershire? Soy sauce will work in a pinch. You know?
Equipment Needed
Right, for this masterpiece, you don't need any crazy gadgets. Here is what you need to turn this baked mini tacos ground beef into a success.
- A large mixing bowl. For obvious reasons.
- A 9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. A must for the oven baked dinner ideas !
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A cutting board and knife.
- And, if you're a pro, a meat thermometer. The target is 160° F ( 71° C) .
Common household alternatives? if you don't have a loaf pan, you can shape it on a baking sheet. just make sure it's not too spread out, or it'll cook unevenly.
This dish is great and can turn into a variety of recipes with ground beef and tortillas , such as pan tacos ground beef or baked tacos beef .
I mean who does not like easy supper ideas quick for kids ? you can even turn it into flat tacos !
Alright, let's talk stove top stuffing meatloaf . seriously, is there anything more comforting? it's like a warm hug from your nan, but with a modern twist.
This isn't just any meatloaf; it's the ultimate comfort food upgrade!
Prepping for Meatloaf Magic
Right then, let's get organised.
Essential Mise en Place
First things first, gather your ingredients. chop that onion fine. you'll need 2 lbs (900g) ground beef , one packet of stove top stuffing mix (6 oz / 170g) , 1 cup (240ml) beef broth , 1 medium yellow onion , 2 large eggs , and a few bits and bobs like ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
The full list is a google search away but this is a snapshot. get it all ready before you start.
Honestly, it saves so much time.
Time-Saving Tips
Honestly, I always chop my onion first. Gets it out of the way. Also, measure out your spices in advance. It just makes the whole thing flow smoother, you know?
Safety First!
Always wash your hands before you start cooking, and especially after handling raw meat. Don't want any nasty business, do we? And keep a clean cloth handy for wiping up spills.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
Alright, here we go. Pay attention!
- Preheat the oven: Set that bad boy to 350° F ( 175° C) . Get it nice and toasty.
- Stuffing Prep: Mix the Stove Top stuffing mix with the beef broth. Let it sit for like, 5 minutes. It needs to soften up a bit.
- Sauté the Onion: Fry your chopped onion until translucent. This adds depth of flavour, trust me.
- Combine everything: In a big bowl, chuck in the ground beef, softened onion, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently! And I mean gently . Don't overmix, or your meatloaf will be tougher than old boots.
- Shape and Bake: Plop the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it. Then, bung it in the oven for 50- 55 minutes .
- (Optional) Glaze Time: Mix ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon mustard and after 45 mins, add to the top to caramelize it. The magic ingredient to make it a star is a good glaze,
Visual Cues: You want it to be nicely browned on top. Critical temperature is 160° F ( 71° C) . Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
Pro Meatloaf Tips
Expert Moves
- Don't be scared to add a bit of breadcrumbs if your mixture seems too wet.
- Make a well in the loaf and hide a hard-boiled egg. Pure retro awesomeness.
Common Mishaps
Overmixing is the biggest crime. And don't forget to drain off any excess fat after baking.
Make Ahead Magic
You can totally make this the day before! Just wrap it up tight and keep it in the fridge. Then, bake it when you're ready.
Easiest Cheapest Dinners don't get much better than this. Plus, you can sneak in some Recipes With Ground Beef And Tortillas by serving it with some Pan Tacos Ground Beef on the side! Easy Supper Ideas Quick For Kids , sorted!
Honestly, this stove top stuffing meatloaf is a winner. it is one of the best oven baked dinner ideas there is.
It can be a baked mini tacos ground beef feast, or a cosy supper in front of the telly. it ticks all the boxes! give it a whirl!
Alright, let's talk about some extra bits and bobs for our banging stove top stuffing meatloaf ! you know, the stuff that makes it really special and helps you nail it every single time.
I want to make this one of your easiest cheapest dinners !
Recipe Notes: Get Ready to Elevate That Meatloaf!
These are my thoughts on making the perfect meatloaf!
Serving Suggestions: Show That Meatloaf Some Love!
Okay, so picture this: a thick slice of your amazing meatloaf, glistening slightly. honestly, presentation is key, innit? think about plating.
Serve it on a nice plate, maybe with a sprig of parsley. makes all the difference!
For sides, you can't go wrong with classic mashed potatoes and gravy. proper comfort food. or, how about some roasted veg? carrots, parsnips, the lot.
It's like a mini sunday roast. a chilled glass of apple juice or a light beer goes down a treat with this too.
Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh!
Right, so leftovers (if there are any!) are brilliant. Store the cooked meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for 3-4 days. Bang it in the fridge!
If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it! wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, to prevent freezer burn.
It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer, easy.
Reheating? Just whack it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's warmed through, usually around 20 minutes or so. Or, you can microwave it in slices. Sorted.
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!
Fancy a change? how about adding a bit of spice? a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix gives it a nice kick.
Or go italian – use italian-seasoned stuffing and some grated parmesan. bellissimo! we can make the pan tacos ground beef another time! and it can be one of our recipes with ground beef and tortillas !
If you're avoiding gluten, just use gluten-free stuffing mix. Easy peasy. Need some Easy Supper Ideas Quick For Kids ? Try some Baked Mini Tacos Ground Beef !
Nutrition Basics: Fuel That Body!
Alright, so roughly, a serving of this meatloaf is around 350-400 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein (25-30g), which is great for building and repairing muscles. Plenty of energy here!
It's got some fat (20-25g) too, but remember, fat is essential for a balanced diet. just don't go mad! this is a great addition to your oven baked dinner ideas .
You can even make baked tacos beef if you're looking for taco style recipes ! what about a flat tacos ?!
Honestly, this stove top stuffing meatloaf is a cracking meal. it's hearty, flavourful, and pretty straightforward to make. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now get in the kitchen and get cooking! you got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my stove top stuffing meatloaf from being dry?
Nobody wants a dry meatloaf! The key is to not overmix the ingredients, as this develops the gluten in the ground beef, leading to a tougher, drier result. Also, making sure the Stove Top stuffing mix is adequately soaked in broth beforehand is crucial. It acts like a sponge, holding onto moisture during baking and keeping your meatloaf lovely and juicy. Think of it as giving your meatloaf a nice, relaxing bath before its big day in the oven!
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of different meats. Ground turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the mixture to ensure it stays moist. Think of it like choosing the right petrol for your car – different meats, different needs, but the same delicious destination!
What's the best way to store leftover stove top stuffing meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf is brilliant for sandwiches or a quick reheat! Let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Think of it as giving your leftovers a little holiday in the freezer, ready to be enjoyed another day!
Can I add vegetables to my stove top stuffing meatloaf?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds flavour and moisture. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even some sauteed mushrooms would work wonderfully. Just be sure to chop them finely or even grate them, so they cook evenly and don't affect the meatloaf's structure. A sneaky way to get those veggies in, eh? You could even call it a "garden patch" meatloaf!
Is there a glaze I can use for my stove top stuffing meatloaf, and what does it add?
Absolutely! A simple glaze can elevate your meatloaf to the next level. A classic glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of Dijon mustard adds a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the savoury meatloaf beautifully. Spread it on during the last 15 minutes of baking for a lovely caramelized finish. It’s like putting the cherry on top – a finishing touch that makes all the difference!
How can I tell if my stove top stuffing meatloaf is cooked all the way through?
The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding the bottom of the pan. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the center – the juices should run clear, not pink. But honestly, a thermometer is your best mate here - no guessing required!
