If you love comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this BBQ Glazed Turkey Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is your next go-to.
It’s warm, savory, a little sweet, and honestly just hits the spot after a long day. I grew up on meatloaf nights, and this one brings back those cozy vibes—but with a little twist thanks to the sweet BBQ glaze and the shortcut of using stuffing mix.
You mix, shape, bake, and boom—dinner’s done.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those “set it and forget it” kind of dinners that looks like you worked way harder than you did. It has:
- The flavor of classic meatloaf but way juicier and more tender
- A sweet and tangy BBQ glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven
- Stove Top stuffing makes the prep lightning fast and gives the loaf a herby flavor that tastes homemade
- It’s hearty enough for a main dish but still light because it uses ground turkey
- You only need one bowl and a loaf pan—minimal cleanup
What You’ll Need
- 1 ¼ lbs ground turkey
- 1 box (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, divided
- Nonstick spray
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat—just until it holds together. Overworking makes it dense.
- Let the meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it slices clean.
- Use parchment paper in the loaf pan for easier removal.
- Mix half the BBQ sauce into the meat for flavor throughout.
- Dice onions very small so they cook through and blend well.
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or hands
- 9×5 loaf pan
- Nonstick spray
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef
- Use any stuffing flavor—savory herb, chicken, or cornbread
- Add shredded cheese to the mix for a cheesy twist
- Try a different glaze like ketchup + brown sugar or sriracha + honey for heat
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the loaf mixture the night before and store it in the pan, covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Servings and Cook Time
Makes: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Macros (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The Stove Top stuffing acts as both the flavor base and binder. When it absorbs the milk and eggs, it becomes a moist sponge that holds the meat together without drying it out. The eggs firm up during baking to give structure, while the milk keeps the texture soft and juicy. The BBQ glaze not only adds flavor but also traps moisture during baking.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the meat mixture—leads to tough meatloaf
- Not letting the stuffing sit with the wet ingredients—can leave dry spots
- Not checking for doneness—use a thermometer to hit 165°F inside
- Skipping the rest time—meatloaf needs a few minutes to firm up before slicing
What to Serve With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic bread
- Side salad with ranch or balsamic
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free stuffing mix and check your BBQ sauce label.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap slices in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make it in muffin tins?
Totally! Bake mini loaves in a muffin tin at 375°F for about 25 minutes.
Instructions
Step 1: Soften the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine 1 box (6 oz) of Stove Top stuffing mix with ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes so the stuffing absorbs the liquid.
Step 2: Add the Flavors
Add 2 large eggs, ½ cup diced yellow onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper to the stuffing mixture.
Step 3: Mix in the Turkey and Some BBQ Sauce
Add 1¼ lbs of ground turkey and ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce to the bowl. Gently mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until just combined.
Step 4: Shape and Pan It
Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. Press the turkey mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
Spread the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 50 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This BBQ Glazed Turkey Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is one of those foolproof, hearty meals you’ll want to make again and again. It’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor. If you give it a try, drop a comment and let me know how it went or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear about it!