We all have those days when we crave something warm and comforting, but the idea of spending hours in the kitchen just feels like too much work. That is exactly when having a collection of Meatloaf Recipes Easy enough for a weeknight comes in handy. There is something undeniably cozy about a classic meatloaf dinner. It warms up the whole house and brings everyone to the table with a smile. But let’s be honest, traditional recipes can sometimes feel a bit complicated with all the chopping and measuring of spices.
That is where this specific recipe shines. It takes the hard work out of the equation by using clever shortcuts that actually add more flavor. By using savory stuffing mix and rich brown gravy right inside the meat mixture, you get an incredibly moist and tasty result without the hassle. If you have been searching for Homemade Meatloaf Recipes that virtually guarantee success, you have found a winner here. Plus, baking it in a Bundt pan gives it a fun shape that looks amazing on a dinner plate.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, this dish is all about simplicity without sacrificing taste. Many cooks struggle with dry or bland meatloaf, but this recipe solves both problems instantly. Because we are using stuffing mix, the breadcrumbs are already seasoned with herbs and spices. This means you do not have to buy a dozen different spice jars just to get a flavorful dinner. It really is one of those Meatloaf Recipes Easy for beginners to master on their first try.
Another reason this meal will become a regular in your rotation is the texture. Meatloaf Recipes With Stove Top Stuffing are known for staying incredibly tender. The stuffing absorbs the juices and keeps the beef from drying out during the baking process. When you combine that with the savory brown gravy mix, you get a depth of flavor that usually takes hours to develop. It is rich, savory, and satisfying in every bite.
Finally, the presentation is just plain fun. Most people bake meatloaf in a standard loaf pan, which is fine, but using a Bundt pan turns a humble dinner into a centerpiece. The ring shape allows for even cooking, so you do not have to worry about the center being raw while the edges burn. Plus, you can fill the center with fluffy mashed potatoes for a volcano effect that kids and adults both adore. It transforms standard Meatloaf Meals into something special.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in the short and budget friendly grocery list. You likely have several of these items in your pantry already. To make one of the tastiest Meatloaf Recipes Easy to prepare, here is what you need:
- Stove Top Stuffing: You need one package of stuffing mix. You can use any flavor you like, such as savory herbs, chicken, or cornbread. This acts as the binder and the seasoning all in one.
- Hot Water: One cup of hot water is needed to rehydrate the stuffing slightly before mixing it with the meat.
- Brown Gravy Mix: You will need two packets total. One packet goes into the meat mixture to add moisture and a deep beefy flavor. The second packet is for serving on top.
- Ground Beef: One and a half pounds of ground beef works best here. A lean blend like 85/15 is great because it has enough fat for flavor but not so much that the meatloaf becomes greasy.
- Cold Water: One cup of cold water is used to dissolve the gravy mix before combining it with the beef.
- Eggs: Two large beaten eggs help bind everything together so your meatloaf holds its shape when you slice it.
It is rare to find Homemade Meatloaf Recipes with such a concise list of ingredients that still deliver such a punch of flavor. The gravy mix is truly the secret weapon here.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? The process is very straightforward. You do not need any fancy gadgets, just a bowl and a Bundt pan. Follow these steps to create one of the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever contenders for your family dinner table.
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing
Start by grabbing a medium sized mixing bowl. Pour in your package of stuffing mix. Next, add one cup of hot water to the bowl. Stir it just a little bit to ensure all the breadcrumbs get moist. Now, let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This waiting period is important because it allows the stuffing to soften up and cool down slightly so it does not cook the eggs when you mix everything later.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Liquid
While the stuffing is resting, take a separate small bowl or cup. Open one packet of the brown gravy mix. Pour in the one cup of cold water and whisk it until the powder is mostly dissolved. This liquid is going to infuse your meatloaf with incredible savory flavor from the inside out.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Binders
In a large bowl, place your ground beef. Pour in the gravy mixture you just made and add the two beaten eggs. By now, your stuffing should be cool enough to handle. Add the stuffing to the bowl with the beef. Use your hands to mix everything together. You want to mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or it can become tough.
Step 4: Pack the Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your Bundt pan and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial so your meatloaf slides out easily later. Take your meat mixture and press it firmly into the Bundt pan. Make sure it is packed down evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The smell will be amazing! You are looking for the meat to be fully cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It should no longer be pink inside.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once it is done baking, take the pan out of the oven. Let it rest on the counter for about 5 minutes. This rest allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up slightly. While it rests, prepare the second packet of gravy according to the package directions. After resting, place a large plate over the Bundt pan and carefully flip it over to invert the meatloaf onto the plate. Fill the center hole with mashed potatoes and pour the hot gravy over everything.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making Meatloaf Recipes Easy and large is having leftovers for lunch the next day. This meatloaf stores beautifully and tastes just as good reheated.
For refrigeration, let the meatloaf cool down completely. Slice it up or leave it whole, and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, you can microwave a slice for a minute or two, or warm it up in a skillet for a nice sear.
If you want to save it for later, this recipe is freezer friendly. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It makes for excellent quick Meatloaf Meals on busy nights down the road.
Tips
To ensure this turns out to be the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever for your household, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind.
First, do not skip the resting period for the stuffing. If you add the hot stuffing water directly to the raw eggs and meat, the heat can start cooking the eggs prematurely, which might affect the binding texture. Giving it that five minutes allows the temperature to drop just enough.
Second, when mixing the meat, use a light hand. This is a golden rule for all Homemade Meatloaf Recipes. If you squeeze and mash the meat too vigorously, the proteins can tighten up, resulting in a dense or rubbery loaf. Just mix until you see the stuffing and meat are evenly blended.
Lastly, grease that Bundt pan very well. Even if it is a nonstick pan, the proteins in the meat can stick during baking. A good coating of spray ensures that satisfying moment when the meatloaf slides right out in one beautiful piece.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, budget friendly, and incredibly tasty dinner that proves cooking does not have to be stressful. Meatloaf Recipes Easy as this one allow you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending your entire evening in the kitchen. The combination of the savory stuffing and the rich gravy keeps every bite moist and delicious, solving the dry meatloaf problem once and for all.
Whether you serve it for a Sunday family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it is sure to be a hit. The presentation in the Bundt pan adds that little extra touch of joy to the table. So grab a box of stuffing and give this recipe a try. It might just become one of your favorite Meatloaf Meals of all time.
FAQ
Can I use a regular loaf pan instead of a Bundt pan?
Yes, absolutely. If you do not have a Bundt pan, a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works great. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, perhaps by 10 to 15 minutes, because the heat has to penetrate to the center of a thicker loaf. Just check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?
You sure can. This is one of those Meatloaf Recipes Easy to adapt. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Since poultry is leaner than beef, the added moisture from the gravy mix and stuffing is even more helpful here to keep it juicy. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious.
What flavor of stuffing is best?
The savory herb flavor is the classic choice for Meatloaf Recipes With Stove Top Stuffing because it mimics traditional meatloaf seasoning. However, you can experiment with cornbread stuffing for a sweeter taste or chicken flavor if you are using poultry.
Do I need to cover the meatloaf while baking?
Generally, you do not need to cover it when using a Bundt pan. The shape helps it cook evenly. If you find the top is browning too quickly before the inside is done, you can loosely tent a piece of foil over the top for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Savory Weeknight Meatloaf
This comforting recipe combines savory boxed stuffing mix with rich brown gravy, resulting in a very tender meatloaf. Baked in a Bundt pan for even cooking and a beautiful presentation, it’s a fast, budget-friendly, and versatile dish for any weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with 1 cup hot water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: To the prepared stuffing, add the ground beef, one packet of brown gravy mix, and the beaten eggs. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the Loaf: Lightly grease a Bundt pan. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Gravy: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the second packet of brown gravy mix according to package directions using 1 cup cold water.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the Bundt pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter. Slice and serve with the prepared gravy.
Notes
When selecting your ground beef, try to avoid extra lean options. A little bit of fat adds flavor and helps keep the loaf moist during the baking process. If you use very lean beef, the gravy mix becomes even more important.
For the stuffing, the savory herb or chicken varieties are popular choices. However, cornbread stuffing can add a nice sweetness if you prefer that profile. This flexibility helps make it one of the most versatile Meatloaf Recipes With Stove Top Stuffing.
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