Print

Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 88 reviews

A classic Southern Meatloaf recipe combining ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful ketchup-based glaze. Tender, juicy, and perfect for a comforting family dinner, this meatloaf features a blend of spices and a touch of sweetness in the glaze to enhance its savory profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for tenderness)
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (finely diced, use jalapenos for spicier)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or Ritz crackers or bread crumbs)
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, crushed crackers, lightly beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne or red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently with your hands just until combined, taking care not to overwork to avoid a tough texture.
  4. Shape and Bake: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan. Place a small pan of water in the oven to maintain moisture during baking. Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F.
  5. Prepare and Add Glaze: While baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard (if using), and optional cayenne or hot sauce. After 45 minutes, brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess grease if desired.
  6. Final Glaze and Rest: Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is critical for juicy meatloaf and clean slices.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a good balance of fat for moisture and flavor.
  • Substitute jalapenos for bell pepper for a spicier version.
  • Adding a pan of water to the oven creates steam that helps keep the meatloaf moist.
  • Handle the meat mixture gently to avoid a dense or tough loaf.
  • The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish; adjust the amount of cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
  • Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain juices.

Keywords: Southern meatloaf, classic meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/southern-meatloaf-recipe/