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Two thick slices of southern meatloaf on a plate, glazed with tangy tomato sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Southern Meatloaf Recipe

This Southern meatloaf is tender, juicy, and full of comforting flavor, made with crushed crackers, sautéed veggies, and a sweet-tangy glaze.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground beef
Servings: 8
Calories: 399kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

For the 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 use Ritz crackers for extra buttery richness, 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, but highly recommended
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes optional Chili Pepper Madness touch

For the Glaze

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

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven. Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.
  • Sauté the Veggies. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic for the last 30 seconds. Cool slightly.
  • Mix the Meatloaf. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked vegetables, crackers, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup, and seasonings.
  • Mix gently with your hands just until combined. Don’t overwork it or it can become mealy - that’s the difference between tender and tough.
  • Shape & Bake. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on your baking sheet (or press into a loaf pan). Bake 45 minutes. TIP: Add a small pan filled with water to the oven to keep the meatloaf moist.
  • Add the Glaze. Whisk the glaze ingredients together. Brush half over the meatloaf. Bake another 15-20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F. Drain off any excess grease if desired. Brush the remaining glaze on top before serving.
  • Rest. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. This is important for moist meatloaf and clean slices. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg