Printable 4-Ingredient Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
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!
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 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.
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.