Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is a creative and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, incorporating the flavors of homemade stuffing into the meat mixture. Here's a recipe that serves 6-8 people:
**Ingredients:**
For the meatloaf:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the stuffing:
* 1 1/2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (white or whole wheat)
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, beef broth, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Add this mixture to the meat mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf shape, about 1 1/2 inches thick.
5. Place one loaf on a flat surface and spread half of the stuffing mixture evenly over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Place the second loaf on top of the first, so that the two loaves form a layer cake shape.
7. Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Remove the loaves from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
9. Place the loaves in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
10. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the stuffing mixture more substantial, add some chopped turkey sausage or Canadian bacon to the bread cubes.
* For an Italian-inspired twist, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil to the stuffing mixture.
* To make a spicy version, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, oats, and vegetables.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss, to add unique flavors to the stuffing mixture.
* For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
**Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* Make sure to handle the meat mixture gently to avoid compacting it, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
* Don't overmix the meat mixture or stuffing mixture, as this can lead to a dense and dry final product.
* When assembling the meatloaf, make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges to allow for even cooking and prevent the stuffing from escaping during baking.
**Common Issues and Solutions:**
* If the meatloaf is too dense or dry, it may be due to overmixing the meat mixture or not enough moisture in the stuffing mixture. Try adding more broth or egg to the meat mixture.
* If the meatloaf is too wet or falls apart, it may be due to too much moisture in the meat mixture or not enough binding agents (such as breadcrumbs). Try adding more breadcrumbs or using a different type of breadcrumb.
By following this recipe and using these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and moist Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf that's sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
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