Southern Meatloaf – Moist, tender, and flavorful loaf of meaty goodness, glistening with a luscious sweet glaze. A classic comfort food that truly impresses everyone! This delicious and easy-to-make family dinner is perfect even for the holidays.
Authentic comfort-food Southern meatloaf
This fantastic Southern meatloaf saved me from a party emergency last week. I totally forgot about the party. (I blame it on my mommy brain). But I didn’t show up empty-handed because of this super easy recipe. What a lifesaver!
I make three batches when I crave homemade meatloaf because it’s a great make-ahead dish. One goes to the table for a delicious homemade dinner. Then the other two go in the freezer for a fast meal later (or an emergency save for a forgotten party).
Prep20minutes minutesCook1hour hour 20minutes minutesTotal1hour hour 40minutes minutes
This Meatloaf melts in your mouth with a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and hearty flavors! It’s our family’s beloved classic, effortlessly combining juicy pork and beef with a rich, smoky barbecue glaze, promising a comforting, delicious meal every time. Your plate will be a canvas of cherished, homey tastes that keep you coming back for that ‘just one more’ slice!
Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko or Italian)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large onion (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium green bell pepper ( finely chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray; set aside.
Add the breadcrumbs and the milk to a large bowl, and stir it together. Let the breadcrumbs soak in the milk for about a minute.
process shots showing how to make meatloaf.
Add the rest of the ingredients but only add about ¾ cup of the barbecue sauce to the meat mixture.
Mix the entire meat mixture well using your hands or a spoon, but do not overmix.
process shots showing how to make meatloaf.
Add the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Brush with the remaining barbecue sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 60 to 80 minutes or until done. Best way to tell when a meatloaf is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the meatloaf and when it reaches 160℉, it’s done.
process shots showing how to make meatloaf.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing into it.
Equipment
Notes:
BBQ Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce, whether it’s tangy, spicy, or smoky – each one will add a unique twist to your meatloaf.
Breadcrumb Alternatives: If Panko isn’t in your pantry, traditional breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even rolled oats can be substituted in equal measure.
Vegetable Twist: For added nutrition and a veggie boost, consider mixing in finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini to your meat mixture.
Resting Time: Letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps it retain its juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Leftover Creativity: Transform leftover meatloaf into delicious sandwiches for lunch the next day or crumble it atop a salad for a protein kick!
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 386kcal (19%)Carbohydrates: 27g (9%)Protein: 24g (48%)Fat: 19g (29%)Saturated Fat: 7g (44%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 102mg (34%)Sodium: 850mg (37%)Potassium: 521mg (15%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 14g (16%)Vitamin A: 154IU (3%)Vitamin C: 8mg (10%)Calcium: 70mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%)