Mini Meatloaves with Stuffing Mix and Meatballs

Prep: 15 minCook: 30 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Mini Meatloaves with Stuffing Mix and Meatballs

Dinner-ready meatloaves paired with baked meatballs, built on seasoned ground beef, Stove Top stuffing, and beef gravy. This one-pan approach delivers tender, flavorful loaves alongside bite-sized balls perfect for quick weeknight service. The split-baking technique ensures the meatballs cook through while the loaves reach proper doneness without drying out. Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables and extra gravy for a complete, no-fuss family meal.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 12 ounce beef gravy, jarred, divided
    mushroom gravy or tomato sauce1:1vegetarian

    3

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 lb lean ground beef
    ground turkey or ground chicken1:1poultrylighter

    4

    Full guide →
  • 6 ¼ ounce Stove Top stuffing mix
    panko breadcrumbs + 1 teaspoon dried herbs1:1gluten-free if using GF breadcrumbsadds gluten

    3

  • 2 eggs, beaten lightly

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 400F.

  2. 2

    Pour one-quarter of the gravy into a large bowl and stir in the water.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef, stuffing mix, and eggs; mix lightly until just combined.

  4. 4

    Set remaining gravy aside.

  5. 5

    Divide meat mixture in half.

  6. 6

    Shape one half into 2 oval loaves on a foil-lined baking sheet.

  7. 7

    Shape remaining mixture into 16 balls and place in a single layer on another foil-covered baking sheet.

  8. 8

    Bake both sheets side by side for 20 minutes.

  9. 9

    Remove the meatballs and set aside.

  10. 10

    Bake the loaves an additional 10 minutes until cooked through.

  11. 11

    Slice loaves and serve with meatballs and vegetables; top with reserved gravy.

Tips

Tip 1

Mix the meat mixture gently with a fork or your hands just until combined; overworking develops toughness.

Tip 2

Stagger baking by removing meatballs after 20 minutes so they don't dry out while loaves finish.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked meatloaves and meatballs in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Make Ahead

Prepare and refrigerate the meat mixture up to 4 hours before shaping and baking.

Serve With

Slice loaves, arrange with meatballs, and pour warm reserved gravy over top. Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, or rice.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overmix the meat to avoid tough, dense loaves.

Watch

Skip staggering the bake to avoid dry meatballs.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

Stove Top stuffing mix
panko breadcrumbs + 1 teaspoon dried herbs1:1gluten-free if using GF breadcrumbsadds gluten

3

General Alternatives

lean ground beef
ground turkey or ground chicken1:1poultrylighter

4

Full guide →
beef gravy
mushroom gravy or tomato sauce1:1vegetarian

3

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap individually in foil or freezer bags, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

What if I don't have Stove Top stuffing mix?

Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltines at a 1:1 ratio and add 1 teaspoon of your preferred dried herbs or poultry seasoning for flavor.

How long do cooked meatloaves keep?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently at 350F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.