Here’s a classic Southern Meatloaf recipe—hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. Perfect for a homestyle dinner! 🍽️
Southern Meatloaf
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for Southern flavor)
Topping (Glaze)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes.
- Add ground meat, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix gently with hands or a spatula until just combined (don’t overmix—keeps meatloaf tender).
- Shape and Bake
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.
- About 10–15 minutes before the end of baking, brush glaze over the meatloaf.
- Return to oven and finish baking.
- Rest and Serve
- Let meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or collard greens for a true Southern meal.
Tips for Perfect Southern Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix: Overworked meat makes a dense loaf.
- Optional add-ins: Finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots add sweetness and moisture.
- For extra flavor: Line the pan with bacon strips for a smoky touch.
If you want, I can also create a Southern Meatloaf “Upgrade Version” with a secret ingredient trick that makes it extra juicy and flavorful, guaranteed to have people asking for seconds.
Do you want me to do that?
