Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

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When the chilly evenings arrive, nothing warms the heart like a hearty, flavorful dinner. One dish that embodies this warmth and nostalgia is the Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe. Imagine a moist, perfectly seasoned meatloaf, stuffed with savory stuffing, and topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This is more than dinner—it’s a culinary hug that brings family and friends together.

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Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for the holidays, this recipe guarantees tender slices bursting with flavor. By blending the rich savoriness of ground beef with aromatic herbs and a glaze that dances between sweet and tangy, this meatloaf will become a staple on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion – Savory stuffing meets juicy meat, finished with a tangy-sweet glaze that will impress every palate.

  • Comfort in Every Bite – A nostalgic dish reminiscent of holiday dinners and family gatherings.

  • Simple Yet Impressive – Easy-to-follow instructions for a dish that looks gourmet.

  • Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients create a meal that feels luxurious.

  • Moist and Tender – Expert techniques ensure your meatloaf is never dry.

  • Versatile Serving Options – Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

  • Customizable – Adaptable with gluten-free stuffing, turkey, or vegetarian options.

  • Time-Saving Prep – One-pan assembly minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Meatloaf

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

  • 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (any variety; consider herb-seasoned for added flavor)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 egg, for binding

  • 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free version)

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (enhances umami)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for caramelized sweetness)

  • 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon for tangy depth)

Tip: Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs, real mustard, and whole milk enhance flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheating ensures even cooking and proper caramelization of the glaze.

2. Prepare the Stuffing

In a large bowl, mix the stuffing with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it absorbs the liquid and softens. Softened stuffing will meld seamlessly with the meatloaf, providing tender pockets of flavor.

3. Combine Meat & Stuffing

Add the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the stuffing. Gently combine with a spatula or hands. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, juicy texture.

4. Form the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Press evenly to form a uniform loaf. A consistent shape ensures even cooking throughout.

5. Prepare the Tangy Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread generously over the meatloaf for a glossy, flavorful finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked while staying moist.

7. Rest Before Serving

Remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, creating slices that are juicy and tender.

When the chilly evenings arrive, nothing warms the heart like a hearty, flavorful dinner. One dish that embodies this warmth and nostalgia is the Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe. Imagine a moist, perfectly seasoned meatloaf, stuffed with savory stuffing, and topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This is more than dinner—it’s a culinary hug that brings family and friends together. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for the holidays, this recipe guarantees tender slices bursting with flavor. By blending the rich savoriness of ground beef with aromatic herbs and a glaze that dances between sweet and tangy, this meatloaf will become a staple on your table. Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe Flavor Explosion – Savory stuffing meets juicy meat, finished with a tangy-sweet glaze that will impress every palate. Comfort in Every Bite – A nostalgic dish reminiscent of holiday dinners and family gatherings. Simple Yet Impressive – Easy-to-follow instructions for a dish that looks gourmet. Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients create a meal that feels luxurious. Moist and Tender – Expert techniques ensure your meatloaf is never dry. Versatile Serving Options – Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Customizable – Adaptable with gluten-free stuffing, turkey, or vegetarian options. Time-Saving Prep – One-pan assembly minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Ingredients for Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe Meatloaf 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness) 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (any variety; consider herb-seasoned for added flavor) 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 egg, for binding 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free version) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (enhances umami) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Glaze ½ cup ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for caramelized sweetness) 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon for tangy depth) Tip: Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs, real mustard, and whole milk enhance flavor and texture. Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Preheat & Prepare Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheating ensures even cooking and proper caramelization of the glaze. 2. Prepare the Stuffing In a large bowl, mix the stuffing with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it absorbs the liquid and softens. Softened stuffing will meld seamlessly with the meatloaf, providing tender pockets of flavor. 3. Combine Meat & Stuffing Add the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the stuffing. Gently combine with a spatula or hands. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, juicy texture. 4. Form the Meatloaf Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Press evenly to form a uniform loaf. A consistent shape ensures even cooking throughout. 5. Prepare the Tangy Glaze In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread generously over the meatloaf for a glossy, flavorful finish. 6. Bake to Perfection Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked while staying moist. 7. Rest Before Serving Remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, creating slices that are juicy and tender. Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf H3: How do you keep meatloaf moist? Use a mix of ground beef with 20% fat and softened stuffing. Overmixing dries the meat; gentle folding preserves tenderness. H3: Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the stuffing mix with a certified gluten-free variety. You can also use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for similar texture. H3: What’s the best way to caramelize the glaze? Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a deep, glossy caramelization without burning. Best Ways to Serve Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal. Slice and serve on soft rolls with extra glaze for a hearty sandwich. Add roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts for a colorful holiday spread. Crosslink suggestion: Try our Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes for a complementary dinner side. Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 6 servings) Calories: 420 kcal Protein: 28 g Fat: 25 g Carbohydrates: 18 g Fiber: 2 g Sodium: 680 mg Tip: You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium ketchup and stuffing. Storage & Leftovers Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. Freezer: Slice the meatloaf before freezing in portions. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Make-Ahead: Assemble meatloaf a day before baking and store in the fridge; bake fresh when ready. Frequently Asked Questions How do I make a stuffing meatloaf less dense? Incorporate milk or broth into the stuffing, and mix gently to avoid compacting the meat. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely. Turkey creates a leaner loaf. Consider adding an extra egg or 1/4 cup milk to prevent dryness. How long does leftover meatloaf last? Refrigerated, up to 4 days. Frozen, up to 3 months. Always store in airtight containers. Can this meatloaf be cooked in a slow cooker? Yes, but reduce the glaze or add it during the last 30 minutes to avoid dilution. What’s the best stuffing for flavor? Herb-seasoned or savory cornbread stuffing adds layers of flavor. Variations to Try Holiday Special: Add cranberries and sage to the stuffing for a festive twist. Spicy Glaze: Include a teaspoon of hot sauce or smoked paprika for heat. Cheese-Stuffed: Layer in cheddar or mozzarella for gooey pockets of cheese. Mini Loaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions, perfect for meal prep. Conclusion & Social Call-to-Action The Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a culinary experience that evokes warmth, family, and comfort. With tender meat, savory stuffing, and a tangy-sweet glaze, this dish promises memorable bites for any occasion.

Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf

H3: How do you keep meatloaf moist?

Use a mix of ground beef with 20% fat and softened stuffing. Overmixing dries the meat; gentle folding preserves tenderness.

H3: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the stuffing mix with a certified gluten-free variety. You can also use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for similar texture.

H3: What’s the best way to caramelize the glaze?

Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a deep, glossy caramelization without burning.

Best Ways to Serve

  • Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal.

  • Slice and serve on soft rolls with extra glaze for a hearty sandwich.

  • Add roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts for a colorful holiday spread.

  • Crosslink suggestion: Try our Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes for a complementary dinner side.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 6 servings)

  • Calories: 420 kcal

  • Protein: 28 g

  • Fat: 25 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 680 mg

Tip: You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium ketchup and stuffing.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

  • Freezer: Slice the meatloaf before freezing in portions. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble meatloaf a day before baking and store in the fridge; bake fresh when ready.

Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a stuffing meatloaf less dense?

Incorporate milk or broth into the stuffing, and mix gently to avoid compacting the meat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Turkey creates a leaner loaf. Consider adding an extra egg or 1/4 cup milk to prevent dryness.

How long does leftover meatloaf last?

Refrigerated, up to 4 days. Frozen, up to 3 months. Always store in airtight containers.

Can this meatloaf be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, but reduce the glaze or add it during the last 30 minutes to avoid dilution.

What’s the best stuffing for flavor?

Herb-seasoned or savory cornbread stuffing adds layers of flavor.

Variations to Try

  • Holiday Special: Add cranberries and sage to the stuffing for a festive twist.

  • Spicy Glaze: Include a teaspoon of hot sauce or smoked paprika for heat.

  • Cheese-Stuffed: Layer in cheddar or mozzarella for gooey pockets of cheese.

  • Mini Loaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions, perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

The Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a culinary experience that evokes warmth, family, and comfort. With tender meat, savory stuffing, and a tangy-sweet glaze, this dish promises memorable bites for any occasion.