Forget Italian Breadcrumbs: The Boxed Mix That Makes The Hands-Down Best Meatloaf (5x Juicier)

We've all run into the issue of bone-dry meatloaf, and sometimes that classic ketchup glaze on top just isn't enough to save it. Some chefs, like Ina Garten, use special cooking techniques like placing a pan of hot water on a lower rack during the baking process to ensure a juicier result. But what about secret ingredients that can help keep meatloaf moist? We spoke with recipe developer Katie Vine from Dinners Done Quick for an answer, and it turns out there is one, and it won't cost you any extra effort while you're cooking. Best of all, it adds a big boost of flavor.

Vine says using the Thanksgiving staple, boxed stuffing, is a good idea, and she thinks it's even better than the plain breadcrumbs many people use to bind the ground meat. "It helps you cut down on number of ingredients needed, delivers super moist, tender, and flavorful meatloaf, and it's very easy to make," she says. 

Vine recommends a 6-ounce package of stuffing mix in any flavor, though she prefers savory herb, along with 1 pound of ground beef for your meatloaf recipe. Since stuffing mix is essentially tiny pieces of dehydrated bread, you can incorporate it during the mixing process, just as you would Italian breadcrumbs.

Katie Vine does caution a few things. Stuffing comes pre-seasoned, so you'll need to keep that in mind while you're adding flavoring ingredients. She says, "I don't add any salt and limit additional seasoning to just a little Worcestershire sauce. I increase liquids too (two eggs instead of one, and ¾ cup beef stock instead of my usual ¼ to ½ cup milk, though this can vary based on what you're used to)."

Vine also mentions that the texture can come out a little softer than traditional meatloaf when using boxed stuffing, but you should generally not expect any issues with shaping or baking. She makes hers in an air fryer on aluminum foil for a crispier bite, and it holds its shape with no issue. In her recipe for boxed stuffing meatloaf here, she uses classic Stove Top brand. And if you feel like you have extra time, make mashed potatoes from scratch while you're at it  — just be sure to use the right potatoes for the job.