Stuffed Meatloaf on the Stovetop

Title: Stuffed Meatloaf on the Stovetop: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of hearty flavors. But what if you could elevate this classic dish with a delicious, savory stuffing and cook it without turning on the oven? That’s right! In this article, I’m going to show you how to make a mouthwatering Stuffed Meatloaf on the Stovetop, a recipe that is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

Not only does stovetop cooking save you time and energy, but it also allows you to create a juicy, tender meatloaf with a crispy exterior, thanks to the magic of cooking on the stovetop. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Stuffed Meatloaf:

For the meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
• 1/4 cup milk (or beef broth for extra richness)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the stuffing:

• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (for a touch of sweetness and color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the glaze:

• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions for Making Stuffed Meatloaf on the Stovetop:

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Start by making the stuffing that will go inside your meatloaf. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and spinach. If using fresh spinach, sauté until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure to drain any excess water before adding it to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the mixture is softened.

Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and bacon bits (if using). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), breadcrumbs, milk (or broth), egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf and Stuff It

On a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, form the meat mixture into a rectangular shape. The size should be big enough to create a well in the middle to hold the stuffing. Once you’ve shaped the meatloaf, carefully spoon the stuffing mixture into the center, spreading it evenly along the length of the meat.

Gently fold the edges of the meatloaf over th