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This Simple Meatloaf Recipe is one of those classic dinners that never goes out of style. With a few pantry ingredients and zero fancy steps, it bakes up perfectly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s simple comfort food done the easy way.
👉 Try it with my Baked Chuck Roast or Dump-and-Go Taquito Casserole next!
This simple meatloaf recipe comes together fast with just a handful of ingredients. The stuffing mix keeps it from getting dry, while a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze adds incredible flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
When you need a classic dinner that’s hearty and easy, this meatloaf always delivers. It’s affordable, freezer-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have.
⏰ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Family dinners, freezer meal prep
🛒 Key Ingredients: Ground beef, stuffing mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce
🍽️ Servings: 5
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Fridge 4 days / Freezer 2 months
👉 Make sure to try my Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice or No-Bake Avalanche Cookies next!
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Simple Meatloaf
Every ingredient serves a purpose in keeping this meatloaf tender and flavorful.
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or leaner for juicy results without being greasy.
- Stuffing Mix: The secret shortcut that adds flavor, texture, and moisture.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together.
- Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Worcestershire Sauce: Combine to make a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
👉 Love classic dinners? Try my Baked Chuck Roast next!
Full Ingredients List
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 (6oz) box Stove Top stuffing mix (savory herbs flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts. Perfect for saving or printing for later.
How to Make Simple Meatloaf
Step 1: Set to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, milk, and ¼ cup ketchup.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Add the meat mixture to the loaf pan, shape into a loaf, and spread sauce over the top.
Step 5: Bake for 40–60 minutes or until cooked through and the center is no longer pink. Slice and serve.
🔒The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below. Don’t forget to save it for later!
Simple Meatloaf Variations
- Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for smoky flavor.
- Swap stuffing mix for crushed crackers or oats if preferred.
- Mix in diced onions or shredded carrots for extra flavor.
- Shape into mini loaves for faster cooking.
👉 For another cozy oven dinner, try my Baked Chuck Roast.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients to keep the texture tender.
- Let the meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to hold in the juices.
- Bake on a foil-lined sheet pan if you prefer a crustier exterior.
- Double the recipe and freeze one loaf before baking to save time later.
👉 You’ll love pairing it with my Cinnabon Cake for dessert!
Recipe FAQs – Simple Meatloaf
Yes, it will be slightly leaner but still flavorful.
No, bake uncovered so the glaze can caramelize.
It’s fully cooked when the center reaches 160°F.
Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
👉 For another quick dinner idea, try my Dump-and-Go Taquito Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
- Side salad or green beans
- Cornbread or garlic bread
- Serve with extra ketchup glaze on the side
👉 Check out my Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice next!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until hot.
👉 Don’t forget dessert. My No-Bake Avalanche Cookies make the perfect no-fuss sweet treat.
More Great Beef Recipes
All Recipes
Dump and Go Taquito Casserole
Chicken
Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
If you try this recipe, give it a rating. It helps others find the best recipes!
Simple Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 or leaner
- 1 6oz box Stove Top stuffing mix (savory herbs)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix beef, stuffing mix, eggs, milk, and ¼ cup ketchup in a bowl.
- Combine remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire for glaze.
- Shape meat mixture into a loaf, spread glaze on top.
- Bake 40–60 minutes, until cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I absolutely loved this! I just used 1/2 box of the savory stuffing and 1 lb. of ground beef. I cooked it for 30 min then added ketchup and cooked an additional 10 min. It was delicious!
I just made this tonight because I had all the ingredients on hand. Stove Top packages in Canada are 120 g, which is 4 oz., so I used two packages. It was a pleasant delicious surprise. I’m sure that it will fall into the meal rotation. Thanks.
Julia – this is my go-to meatloaf recipe! So easy and delicious. Usually have the ingredients on hand…Love to you and your family!
Best meatloaf I have ever had! Thanks for such an easy, delicious, minimal ingredient dinner
Delicious. The ketchup topping was great, too, with no burning /over browning. Mine took about 65 minutes for the center to reach 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer. I lined my pan with foil for easier cleanup. The Savory Herbs stuffing mix has the seasoning and bread cubes in a single packet, so “yes” to the first commenter — it all goes in with the meat. I resized the recipe for 1 pound of ground beef. I poured the entire packet of stuffing mix into a clean bowl first and stirred it a little to evenly distribute the seasoning, then returned a heaping 3/4 C. of the dry mixture to the packet for use in another dish or as a side. The rest (about 1 3/4 C. of dry mixture) added terrific flavor to the meatloaf. Other measurements for 1 pound of beef: 1 egg, 2 T. milk, 3 T. ketchup in the meatloaf. Topping: 1/3 C ketchup, 3 T. brown sugar, 2 tsp. W. sauce.
Hey Julie! Do you also add the seasoning packet from the box of stuffing, or just the stuffing by itself? Thanks!