Easy 4-Ingredient Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe

Welcome to our 4 ingredient meatloaf recipe! It's an easy dinner recipe with simple ingredients. It only takes 10 minutes prep time. And once you pair it with a few sides..it's pure comfort food. 

We're making ours in the oven. But we've also supplied directions on how to make it into a crockpot meal too. Also, you can make it in the air fryer or in the Instant Pot. Plus...freezer meal prep! And you can find all the details on that in the printable recipe card down below. 

So now, let's talk ingredients. And possible substitutions. That way, you can make this with what you have, when you have it!

Meatloaf Ingredients and Substitutions

This is the section where we go over the ingredients we used to make our recipe(s). Also, possible substitutions. 

That way, if you're an epic meatloaf fan...and you want a delicious meatloaf...you can make any one of several delicious recipes. Now, here we go...

• Ground Beef - I used lean beef. That'll work better with any meatloaf. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken. Or even ground pork. Or do a meatloaf mixture with a couple of them.
• Stovetop Stuffing Mix - I used a box of stove top stuffing mix. Does it have to be Stovetop? Nope. I got several boxes on sale before Thanksgiving. They are in the pantry and need used up. I know for a fact Aldi brand works very well too. 
• Eggs - Believe it or not...a 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise will work. It'll "bind" the ingredients and keep the meatloaf moist.
• Ketchup - I used a cup of ketchup. You can use that or barbeque sauce. Or for an Italian Meatloaf...use marinara or spaghetti sauce. Or use a combination of sauces. I wouldn't mix marinara and barbecue sauce...but that's me.

Classic Meatloaf Variations

Now, we've discussed the ingredients we used...what about flavor variations? It won't be 4 ingredient meatloaf anymore...but it won't take many more either :)

• Italian Meatloaf - Previously mentioned but not discussed. Add a teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning to your meatloaf mixture. Top with marinara or spaghetti sauce instead of ketchup. Toss on some mozzeralla.
• Cajun Meatloaf - Add a little cajun seasoning. Swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce or a combination of BBQ sauce and ketchup.
• BBQ Meatloaf - Swap the ketchup for your favorite barbecue sauce. For a sweeter version, stir a little brown sugar into the sauce before spreading it over the top.
• Cheesy Meatloaf - Add shredded cheddar to the meatloaf mixture, or sprinkle it over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Meatloaf - Add a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Use chili sauce instead of ketchup for even more flavor.

And there you go. Multiple ways to swap and trade for different flavors and a delicious dinner. Pair that up with mashed potatoes and green beans...you'll be super rockin' the cozy family dinner vibe!

Recipe

Printable 4-Ingredient Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen.com

This easy 4-ingredient meatloaf combines ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, and ketchup for a tender, flavorful family dinner. Make it in the oven, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer, and choose from six simple flavor variations. Freezer meal instructions are included, too!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef lean
• 1 stuffing mix 6 ounce box
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ketchup divided

Instructions

 

Oven Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Add the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, and ½ cup ketchup to a large mixing bowl.
• Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape the meatloaf in a lightly greased baking dish or place it in a loaf pan.
• Spread the remaining ½ cup ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

• Add the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, and ½ cup ketchup to a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf.
• Place the meatloaf on a large piece of aluminum foil and set it inside the slow cooker.
• Spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours.
• Check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F.
• Carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker using the aluminum foil.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Instant Pot Meatloaf

• Add the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, and ½ cup ketchup to a large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.
• Shape the mixture into a loaf that will fit inside the Instant Pot.
• Place the meatloaf on a piece of aluminum foil and fold up the edges to make a shallow foil pan.
• Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
• Set the foil-wrapped meatloaf on the trivet.
• Lock the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes.
• Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
• Check that the center has reached 160°F with a meat thermometer.
• Carefully remove the meatloaf and spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Optional Glazed Top - For a more traditional baked ketchup glaze...place the cooked Instant Pot meatloaf on a baking sheet. Then spread with the remaining ketchup. Broil for 3–5 minutes.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, and ½ cup ketchup in a large bowl.
• Shape into a loaf that fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350°F for 25 minutes.
• Spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
• Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Freezer Meal Instructions

• Combine the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, and ½ cup ketchup in a large mixing bowl.
• Shape into a loaf and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Unwrap, place in a baking dish, spread the remaining ketchup over the top, and cook according to the oven directions.
• Freezing Cooked Meatloaf
• Cool the meatloaf completely. Wrap the whole meatloaf or individual slices tightly and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.

Video

Notes

This easy meatloaf recipe uses Stove Top stuffing mix in place of traditional bread crumbs and seasonings. It makes a simple, flavorful meatloaf with only four main ingredients.

Optional additions:

Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar for a sweeter ketchup glaze
Additional ketchup, BBQ sauce, or chili sauce for serving

For best results, use lean ground beef. Ground turkey can also be used, but it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Keyword 4-ingredient meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, easy meatloaf, instant pot meatloaf

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Wrappin' Up Our Not So Traditional Meatloaf

There you go! A super simple recipe that you can make again and again. 5 variations. 4 cooking methods. And freezer meal prep to boot. 

Try it. Let us know how it goes.