Best Easy Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Southern meatloaf with a sweet ketchup or tomato glaze is a protein-packed family dinner that's comforting and budget-friendly. Sliced thick and served with mashed potatoes, it's a weeknight staple across the South.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (80/20) 2 lbs
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • green bell pepper, finely diced 0.5 cup
  • milk 0.5 cup
  • eggs 2 pieces
  • breadcrumbs 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ketchup 0.5 cup
  • tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • brown sugar 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 23%
Protein 19 g 24%
Fat 15 g 53%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs using your hands until just mixed—do not overwork.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then add Worcestershire sauce and half of the ketchup; fold until evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Shape the mixture into the loaf pan, pressing lightly so it fills corners evenly without packing tightly (to avoid dense texture).

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, whisk remaining ketchup with tomato paste and brown sugar; spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

  6. 6

    Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F; let rest for 10 minutes for juices to settle before slicing thick.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Southern Meatloaf recipe?
The core ingredient is ground beef (80/20), which provides the savory flavor, juicy texture, and signature heartiness of traditional Southern meatloaf. Supporting ingredients like onion, green bell pepper, and breadcrumbs give balance and structure.
Q. How do I keep my Southern meatloaf moist and tender?
Be sure to mix the meatloaf just until everything is combined—overmixing can make it dense. Including milk, eggs, and onions adds moisture, while resting for 10 minutes before slicing allows juices to redistribute for a tender result.
Q. What makes the meatloaf glaze sweet and flavorful?
The glaze combines ketchup, tomato paste, and brown sugar, accented with Worcestershire sauce for depth. This sweet and tangy topping caramelizes in the oven, forming a classic Southern finish.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this Southern meatloaf (about 180g) provides approximately 320 kcal and 19g of protein, making it a hearty, protein-rich option for dinner.
Q. How do I prevent my meatloaf from becoming too dense or crumbly?
Avoid packing the mixture tightly into the loaf pan, and stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined. The breadcrumb and egg mixture helps bind the meatloaf while keeping a soft, cohesive texture.
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