Southern Meatloaf

Here’s a classic Southern Meatloaf—comfort food that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to make 🍽️✨
(Simple ingredients, no fancy steps.)

Southern Meatloaf

Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika

For the topping

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   • Set to 350°F (180°C).

2. Mix the meatloaf

   • In a large bowl, gently mix all meatloaf ingredients until just combined.

   • Don’t overmix—it keeps the meatloaf tender.

3. Shape

   • Place mixture in a greased loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a lined baking tray.

4. Make the topping

   • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

   • Spread evenly over the top.

5. Bake

   • Bake for 55–65 minutes, until cooked through (adult help recommended).

6. Rest

   • Let it sit 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Ideas

• Mashed potatoes

• Green beans or collard greens

• Cornbread

Southern Tips

• Crackers give it that classic Southern texture.

• Milk keeps it moist.

• A little sugar in the topping balances the savory flavors.

Variations

• Extra juicy: Add 2 tablespoons butter to the mix

• Turkey meatloaf: Swap beef for ground turkey

• BBQ style: Replace ketchup topping with BBQ sauce

If you want, I can share a mini meatloaf version, a slow-cooker method, or a healthier Southern-style twist