Mixed-Up Meatloaf

Here’s a great, easy version of meatloaf for a busy household.

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I remember the first time I stumbled upon a recipe that made meatloaf using a stovetop stuffing mix — I couldn’t help but get excited because it sounded so delicious without even taking a bite. After that initial shock, I then found myself wondering why I hadn’t thought of it myself.

So, I tried that recipe, and it was really, really good. But I felt like it still needed something. After a couple of trials and forcing them upon my (mostly) willing family, I’ve reached the point where I’m super happy with this recipe. Now I’d like to share it with you.

Mind you, I typically prefer to cook mostly from scratch. However, there are those times when I just want to make something at home without the hassle of scratch cooking. This recipe is perfect for that.

The stuffing mix is a great hack that removes the need to measure out multiple spices into the meat mixture. And the gravy mix, in conjunction with the eggs, helps densify the loaf enough to keep it together so it’s not too mushy nor too stiff — plus it adds yet another level of flavor.

Finally, the barbecue sauce and bacon are a match made in heaven to form the ultimate meatloaf crust.

Ok, now I’m hungry. Let’s get this marvel of beef in the oven! Be sure to save some for sandwiches tomorrow.

Mixed-Up Meatloaf

Course:
Cuisine:
Difficulty:
Servings
6
servings
Prep time
15
minutes
Cook time
55
minutes
Total time
70
minutes

Ingredients

  • 1
    box
    StoveTop Stuffing
    chicken flavor FTW
  • 1
    cup
    water
    hot
  • 1
    env
    brown gravy mix
  • 1
    cup
    water
    cold
  • 1.5
    lbs
    ground beef
  • 1
    tbsp
    salted butter
    if using lean beef
  • 2
    lg
    eggs
  • 0.25
    cup
    barbecue sauce
    Bullseye FTW
  • 1
    tbsp
    brown sugar
  • 0.5
    tsp
    Tabasco sauce
  • 1
    tsp
    black pepper
    or to taste
  • 8
    strips
    bacon

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the hot water. Let sit for 5 minutes while you work on the following steps.

  • Grease a casserole dish or baking pan with oil, cooking spray or butter. Now mentally prepare yourself for the next step. Try to get yourself into a happy place in your mind.

  • In a large bowl, combine the brown gravy mix with the cold water. Add the 2 eggs, then scramble together. Add the ground beef and then squish it all together with your hands, watching it ooze between your fingers. Add the stuffing mixture, continuing this gross adventure until fully combined.

  • Form the revolting meat mixture into a loaf, packing it as tightly as possible. It should be about the same size as a typical loaf of bread. Keep in mind that it will likely settle a bit as it bakes, so it’s okay if you make it a bit narrow and tall; this will allow it to settle into a shape that is more conducive to meatloaf sandwiches tomorrow. Anyway, place it into the greased baking vessel you chose above, centered.

  • In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Tabasco sauce. Spread evenly across the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle with black pepper. Drape the bacon strips across the meatloaf.

  • Put it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until it’s not pink inside. It’s quite likely that you don’t have x-ray vision, so it might be wise to use an oven thermometer.

  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. After all, you’ve beat it up pretty badly, so it needs a break!

  • Slice that beautiful, steaming pile of beef into lovely slabs of deliciousness and enjoy. Caution: don’t eat it all yet —- save some for tomorrow’s most delicious meatloaf sandwiches you’ve ever consumed!