Southern Meatloaf
Here’s a classic Southern meatloaf is a hearty, comforting dish often featuring a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze that caramelizes during baking. It’s a staple of Southern home cooking, typically served with mashed potatoes for a soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or plain, unseasoned)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a Southern smoky touch)
For the Ketchup Glaze:
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape and Place: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Apply Glaze: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread the remaining glaze over the top for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or collard greens for a true Southern meal.
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