Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of my grandma’s famous Stuffing Meatloaf wafting through the kitchen on those cozy Sunday afternoons. It was a dish that always brought our family together, with each bite transporting us back to those cherished memories. The way the savory, herb-infused stuffing would ooze out of the tender meatloaf, mingling with the rich, tangy glaze – it was pure comfort food perfection.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve tried countless variations of Stuffing Meatloaf, but none have quite captured the essence of Grandma’s recipe. That is, until I finally unlocked the secret to creating a Stuffing Meatloaf that’s just as delicious and sentimental as the one I remember from my childhood. And now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, because I know it’s going to become your new go-to.
Why This Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Stuffing Meatloaf
What sets this Stuffing Meatloaf recipe apart is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the homemade, herb-infused stuffing that’s nestled right in the center of the meatloaf. It’s not just a bland bread filling – it’s a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the tender, juicy meatloaf. And the secret glaze? It’s a tangy-sweet masterpiece that caramelizes to create a mouthwatering crust. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: The foundation of the meatloaf, using a blend of lean and fatty beef for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf and add structure.
- Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together.
- Onion and garlic: For aromatic flavor.
- Herbs and spices: A blend of sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to season the meatloaf.
- Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- For the stuffing: Cubed bread, onion, celery, more herbs and spices.
- For the glaze: Ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mustard.
Step-by-Step Stuffing Meatloaf Instructions
Preparing Your Stuffing Meatloaf
This Stuffing Meatloaf recipe is straightforward and easy to make, with a total time of about an hour and a half from start to finish. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a few other basic kitchen tools. Let’s dive in!
1- Start by preparing the stuffing. In a skillet, sauté the onion and celery until softened. Then, add the cubed bread, herbs, salt, and pepper, and toss everything together until well combined.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, and the remaining herbs and spices. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and transfer half of the meatloaf mixture into the dish, creating a well in the center.
4- Spoon the prepared stuffing into the well, then top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, smoothing the top to seal in the stuffing.
5- In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients – ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6- Bake the Stuffing Meatloaf for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can make the texture tough.
- Use a combination of lean and fatty ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the stuffing to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Brush the glaze on the meatloaf a few times during baking for a perfectly caramelized crust.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Meatloaf
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Meatloaf
This Stuffing Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. And don’t forget the classic accompaniments – a dollop of tangy ketchup or a drizzle of rich, homemade gravy. For a cozy, comforting meal, you can’t go wrong.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Stuffing Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire Stuffing Meatloaf in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Or, you can prepare the stuffing and meatloaf mixture separately and assemble it just before cooking. Either way, it’s a great time-saver for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Stuffing Meatloaf
Creative Stuffing Meatloaf Variations
While this classic Stuffing Meatloaf recipe is a surefire hit, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile. You can also switch up the stuffing ingredients, using cubed cornbread, sausage, or wild rice instead of the traditional bread cubes. For a seasonal twist, add diced apples or cranberries to the stuffing.
Making Stuffing Meatloaf Diet-Friendly
To make this Stuffing Meatloaf recipe more diet-friendly, you can use a combination of ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatloaf and stuffing. And for a vegan or vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative, along with veggie-based breadcrumbs and a dairy-free milk substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a high-quality, seasoned stuffing mix as a shortcut. Just be sure to adjust the amount of herbs and spices in the meatloaf to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
Q: How can I tell when the Stuffing Meatloaf is fully cooked?
A: The best way to ensure your Stuffing Meatloaf is cooked through is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf, and it should read 165°F for food safety.
Q: Can I make the Stuffing Meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Prepare the meatloaf and stuffing separately, then assemble and bake it the day you plan to serve it. You can also bake the Stuffing Meatloaf in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: How do I prevent the Stuffing Meatloaf from falling apart when slicing?
A: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, making it much easier to slice cleanly.
Q: Can I add any other ingredients to the Stuffing Meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even shredded cheese to the stuffing or meatloaf mixture.
Stuffing Meatloaf
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of tender meatloaf and savory stuffing with this easy-to-make Stuffing Meatloaf recipe. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup prepared stuffing
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. – Spread half of the meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan or baking dish.
4. – Top with the prepared stuffing, then cover with the remaining meatloaf mixture.
5. – Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. – Let the Stuffing Meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
– For a heartier meal, serve the Stuffing Meatloaf with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
– Experiment with different types of stuffing, such as cornbread or sausage-based, to change up the flavor profile.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Stuffing Meatloaf recipe is a true family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household, too. With its irresistible combination of savory, tender meatloaf and flavorful, herb-infused stuffing, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, your loved ones are going to devour every bite.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to create a Stuffing Meatloaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Let me know in the comments how your Stuffing Meatloaf turns out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
