Southern Meatloaf – A Classic Comfort Food Made the Old-Fashioned Way
Southern meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings back memories of family dinners, warm kitchens, and simple home cooking. It is hearty, flavorful, and made with ingredients that are usually already on hand. Unlike fancy versions, Southern meatloaf focuses on rich flavor, tender texture, and a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
This dish has been passed down through generations, often handwritten on recipe cards or memorized by heart. Every family has its own version, but the heart of Southern meatloaf remains the same: seasoned ground meat, a moist binder, and a glaze that makes every slice irresistible. Served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese, it is pure comfort on a plate.
What makes Southern meatloaf special is its balance. It is savory without being heavy, moist without falling apart, and packed with flavor in every bite. It is equally perfect for a Sunday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, and leftovers are just as good the next day, if not better.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 cup milk
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form meatloaf.
In a large bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let them soak for a minute or two until the mixture becomes soft. This step is important because it helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender instead of dense or dry.
Add the eggs, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Gently add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, mix just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. The mixture should be evenly combined but still soft.
Shaping and Glazing
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. Press gently to hold its shape without packing it too tightly.
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will bake into the meat, adding flavor and moisture from the start.
Baking
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. After this first bake, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be thick, glossy, and slightly caramelized.
Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the slices intact.
Serving
Southern meatloaf is best served warm, sliced thick, and paired with classic side dishes. Mashed potatoes with gravy are a natural choice, soaking up every bit of flavor. Green beans, collard greens, or buttered corn add balance and freshness to the plate.
Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches. Simply slice it cold, place it between soft bread with a little extra ketchup or mayo, and enjoy a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips for Best Results
Use ground beef with some fat content for flavor and moisture.
Do not overmix the meat mixture. Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Finely chopping the onion helps it blend smoothly into the meat.
Variations
Use half ground beef and half ground pork for extra richness.
Add diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy Southern twist.
Replace breadcrumbs with crushed saltine crackers for a more traditional taste.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for gentle heat.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Southern meatloaf also freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Southern meatloaf is more than just a dinner recipe. It is a reminder of simple living, shared meals, and recipes that bring people together. With its tender texture, bold seasoning, and sweet, tangy glaze, it continues to be a favorite across generations.
Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, this classic dish delivers comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite. It proves that the best meals do not need to be complicated—just made with care and tradition.