Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something comforting, flavorful, and impressive? Then look no further! This Stuffing Stuffed Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner woes. It's a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, combining the heartiness of meatloaf with the savory goodness of homemade stuffing. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this easy yet elegant dish, perfect for a casual family meal or a special occasion. This recipe is packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make, proving that healthy meals and delicious dishes can coexist beautifully.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs (day-old bread works best)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started with the Stuffing:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, parsley, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the chicken broth, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, ketchup, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Shape half of the meat mixture into a large oval-shaped patty on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the stuffing evenly over the meat patty.
- Top the stuffing with the remaining meat mixture, gently shaping it into a loaf.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the meatloaf mixture.
- Don't overmix the meatloaf; it can become tough. Just gently combine the ingredients.
- For a crispier top, broil the meatloaf for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve this delicious dish with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully.
Variations:
- Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the stuffing for a kick.
- Cheesy Stuffing: Mix in some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese to the stuffing for extra richness.
- Veggie Meatloaf: Substitute part of the ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Stuffing Stuffed Meatloaf recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner, a weekend feast, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy!