5 Delicious Boxed Stuffing Recipes: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners
Welcome to a world where boxed stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving! If you’ve got a box of stuffing mix tucked away in your pantry, you’re already halfway to creating some seriously satisfying and simple weeknight dinners. We’re here to share 5 incredibly easy, budget-friendly meals that will transform that humble box of stuffing into full-blown, comforting dinners that the whole family will love. Forget waiting for the holidays – these recipes are designed for everyday enjoyment.
What makes these recipes so great? They’re quick, convenient, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Most of these meals take under an hour to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers, stretch your grocery budget, or simply feed a hungry family, stuffing mix is the secret weapon you never knew you needed. It’s the ultimate shortcut to cozy, crowd-pleasing meals that are sure to become family favorites.
So, let’s take stuffing beyond the Thanksgiving table and explore the delicious possibilities that await. Get ready to rediscover the magic of boxed stuffing and unlock a whole new world of easy and flavorful dinners. It’s time to get cooking!
Craving Homemade? The BEST Homemade Stuffing Recipe
While these recipes are all about the convenience of boxed stuffing, sometimes you just want that homemade touch. If you’re feeling ambitious, or simply prefer to make things from scratch, check out our amazing homemade stuffing recipe. It’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make!
1. Minimal Ingredient Meatloaf: A Stuffing-Powered Twist
Forget breadcrumbs! This meatloaf recipe uses stuffing mix as a binder, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. The stuffing adds built-in herbs and seasoning, making this meatloaf ultra-flavorful with absolutely no extra effort. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a no-fail dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Why it Works: The pre-seasoned stuffing mix eliminates the need for measuring out individual spices, making this meatloaf incredibly easy to prepare. The herbs and seasonings in the stuffing infuse the meat with delicious flavor, while the texture helps to bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist. This recipe is great for meal prep and even better the next day as a sandwich! The flavors meld together overnight, creating an even more delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients: Ground beef, boxed stuffing mix, egg, ketchup (or tomato sauce), Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad.
2. Ham Stuffing Egg Casserole: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner!
This one-bowl breakfast bake is a winner any time of day. Eggs, ham, cheese, and stuffing mix come together in a creamy, cheesy casserole that takes just five minutes to prep. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover ham from the holidays or make ahead for busy mornings. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake it in the morning for a hot and satisfying breakfast.
Why it Works: The stuffing mix soaks up the milk and eggs, creating a savory, bread pudding-style texture. The ham adds a salty, smoky flavor, while the cheese provides richness and creaminess. It’s delicious, hearty, and great with a side of fruit or hot sauce. Experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables to customize this casserole to your liking. Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, boxed stuffing mix, diced ham, shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack), optional vegetables.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh fruit, hot sauce, salsa, or a side of toast.
3. Zucchini Stuffing Chicken Casserole: Sneak in Those Veggies!
This casserole is a family favorite for good reason. It combines juicy shredded chicken, tender zucchini, creamy soup, and a crunchy stuffing topping. It’s cozy, creamy, and comes together in one baking dish. The perfect way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, this casserole is a complete meal in itself.
Why it Works: The stuffing on top turns golden and crisp while the inside stays creamy and full of flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies, too! The zucchini adds moisture and nutrients to the casserole, while the creamy soup binds everything together. Feel free to add other vegetables to this casserole as well, such as carrots, broccoli, or peas. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients: Cooked shredded chicken, boxed stuffing mix, zucchini, cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack).
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad, steamed green beans, or a crusty roll.
4. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: All the Flavor, Less the Fuss
If you love chicken cordon bleu but don’t love the work involved, this casserole is your shortcut to deliciousness. Layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and creamy sauce are topped with seasoned stuffing for a crispy, golden finish. It’s all the flavor of classic cordon bleu, without the rolling or breading!
Why it Works: The stuffing adds a delightful crunch and that nostalgic flavor everyone loves. The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a classic cordon bleu flavor profile, while the creamy sauce adds richness and moisture. This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. For an even richer flavor, try using Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
Ingredients: Cooked chicken (cubed or shredded), boxed stuffing mix, ham (diced), Swiss cheese (shredded), cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed asparagus, a green salad, or roasted potatoes.
5. Crunchy No-Peek Cheesy Chicken: Set It and Forget It Dinner!
This creamy, cheesy chicken bake is a hands-off dinner dream. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake – no peeking required! The cheesy layer and buttery stuffing topping make this a comfort food must-have. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. No need to constantly check on it – just let it bake until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.
Why it Works: The stuffing absorbs the broth and butter, forming a crispy top, while the soup and cheese create a creamy base around the chicken. Pure comfort in every bite! The “no-peek” method ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender while the stuffing crisps up perfectly. For added flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, boxed stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, butter (melted), shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella).
Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad.
What to Serve with These Simple Dinner Recipes:
The goal of these recipes is to keep dinner simple and delicious, so there’s no need to go overboard with complicated side dishes. You’ll get plenty of flavor and satisfaction with just one or two complementary sides. Here are a few of our favorite pairings:
- Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Pull Apart Rolls – Roll Dough Recipe
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Caprese Salad
Complete Your Meal with a Delicious Dessert:
No meal is complete without a sweet treat! Here are a few easy dessert recipes to pair with your stuffing-inspired dinner:
- Irresistible Biscoff White Chocolate Chip Cookies – The Ultimate Sweet & Crunchy Treat!
- No Bake Avalanche Cookies
- Easy No Bake Cheesecake
- No-Bake Hershey’s Chocolate Pie
Why Are These Recipes So Great?
These simple dinner recipes are fantastic family meals that are generally kid-friendly, while also providing plenty of protein and tasty carbohydrates. They are well-rounded entrées that are easy to make and satisfying to eat. You’ll find that these recipes are a great way to introduce new flavors and textures to your family’s diet, all while using a simple and convenient ingredient: boxed stuffing mix.
Plus, you can make these dinner recipes in just a few steps with minimal effort. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to create your own unique versions of these dishes. Let us know which ones you try and love!
Quick Links for Making Dinner Easy:
- Family meal plans
- Tools for the kitchen and more
- The best cookbook for family dinner recipes
- FREE budget meal plan
- Cooking videos to watch
If you give these recipes a try, be sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked them! We love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Happy cooking!