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.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs using your hands until just mixed—do not overwork.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then add Worcestershire sauce and half of the ketchup; fold until evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into the loaf pan, pressing lightly so it fills corners evenly without packing tightly (to avoid dense texture).
In a small bowl, whisk remaining ketchup with tomato paste and brown sugar; spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F; let rest for 10 minutes for juices to settle before slicing thick.