Southern Meatloaf
A classic Southern-style meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape the Loaf
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape.
- Place it in the loaf pan or on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
5. Bake
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.
Tips for the Best Southern Meatloaf
- Use ground beef with some fat content for a juicier loaf.
- Finely chop vegetables so they blend smoothly into the meat.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.
- For extra Southern flavor, add ¼ cup finely chopped cooked bacon to the mixture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60–65 minutes
Servings: 6–8