Classic Southern Meatloaf is the ultimate cozy, old-fashioned comfort food! This tender, juicy meatloaf is made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, fresh bell peppers and onions, and plenty of Worcestershire sauce. It’s finished with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top.
If you’re looking for an easy Southern meatloaf recipe that tastes like something Grandma would have made, this is it! Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or your favorite Southern sides for a comforting family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Meatloaf
- Easy ingredients: Nothing fancy or difficult to find.
- Classic Southern flavor: Savory, hearty, slightly sweet, and tangy.
- Tender and juicy: The eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and vegetables help create a moist meatloaf.
- Perfect family dinner: Makes plenty for leftovers and meatloaf sandwiches.
- That glaze! The ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings create the perfect sweet-and-savory topping.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- A few generous splashes Worcestershire sauce
- A good mix of finely chopped bell peppers and onions
- About 4 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, to taste
- Morton All-Purpose Seasoning, to taste
For the Southern Meatloaf Glaze
- 4–5 tablespoons ketchup
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A few dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
How to Make Classic Southern Meatloaf
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Add the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, chopped bell peppers and onions, ketchup, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl.
Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can make the finished meatloaf dense instead of tender.
2. Form the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and gently form it into an even loaf.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
3. Bake
Bake at 375°F for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F in the center.
Because oven temperatures and loaf thickness can vary, an instant-read thermometer is the best way to know when your meatloaf is finished.
4. Make the Glaze
While the meatloaf cooks, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Mix until smooth.
5. Add the Glaze
When the meatloaf is nearly finished cooking, brush the sweet ketchup glaze generously over the top.
Return the meatloaf to the oven for a few additional minutes so the glaze can warm through and caramelize slightly.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This helps the juices redistribute so you get nice, juicy slices instead of a meatloaf that falls apart when cut.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Southern Meatloaf
Don’t overmix. Mix the ingredients just until everything comes together. Overworking ground beef can make meatloaf tough.
Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce. Those generous splashes add a deep savory flavor that makes this meatloaf taste extra rich.
Use plenty of seasoning. Southern meatloaf is supposed to be flavorful! Adjust the salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, Tony Chachere’s, and Morton seasoning to your taste.
Let it rest. Giving the meatloaf a few minutes to rest before slicing makes a big difference in texture.
Make it your own. You can adjust the amount of bell pepper and onion depending on how much you love them.
What to Serve With Southern Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf pairs perfectly with traditional Southern side dishes. Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Southern-style green beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread
- Creamed corn
- Fried cabbage
- Collard greens
- Roasted vegetables
- Homemade biscuits
And don’t forget a little extra ketchup on the side if you’re a ketchup lover!
Leftover Meatloaf
Leftover meatloaf is arguably one of the best parts of making a big loaf.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm them gently in the oven.
You can also turn leftover slices into incredible meatloaf sandwiches with toasted bread, extra ketchup, and your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and ground pork can be used, although the flavor and texture will be different from this classic beef version.
How do I know when meatloaf is done?
The safest way is to check the center with an instant-read thermometer. Ground beef meatloaf should reach 160°F internally.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
Meatloaf can fall apart when it doesn’t have enough binding ingredients or when it’s sliced immediately after coming out of the oven. The eggs and breadcrumbs help bind this recipe together, while resting the meatloaf before slicing helps it hold its shape.
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the meatloaf, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving based on 8 servings and using 80/20 ground beef. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the exact ground beef, amount of vegetables, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce used.
- Calories: ~440
- Protein: ~26g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~29g
- Saturated Fat: ~11g
- Cholesterol: ~135mg
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~8g
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a classic homemade meatloaf, and this Southern Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. It’s tender, flavorful, packed with comforting Southern seasoning, and finished with that irresistible sweet-and-tangy ketchup glaze.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a cozy Sunday dinner, or save the leftovers for an amazing meatloaf sandwich the next day. However you serve it, this is one of those simple, old-fashioned recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
If you make this Classic Southern Meatloaf, be sure to save this recipe and share it with someone who loves good old-fashioned Southern comfort food! ❤️
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make this delicious classic southern meatloaf recipe! If you liked this one, you should check out my The Best Homemade Cornbread recipe and the rest of my blog. If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]