This Southern Meatloaf Recipe is a classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, and a sweet and tangy glaze. Baked until tender and juicy, it makes an easy family dinner served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tender and juicy: Breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk help keep the meatloaf moist.
- Classic Southern flavor: Onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings add plenty of savory flavor.
- Sweet and tangy glaze: The simple ketchup-based topping caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
- Easy family dinner: Simple ingredients come together in one comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Southern Meatloaf
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf approximately 8–9 inches long.
4. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes. Spread the remaining glaze over the top during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
The meatloaf is ready when the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Southern Meatloaf
- Use ground beef with some fat for a juicier meatloaf.
- Finely dice the onion so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together better.
- Add a little extra glaze before serving for more sweet and tangy flavor.
- For a richer flavor, sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Meatloaf Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. The tender beef, savory seasonings, and sweet tangy glaze create a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and simple vegetables.
