What type of ground beef is best for making Southern meatloaf?

For Southern meatloaf, using an 80/20 ground chuck blend is ideal. This means the meat contains 80% lean beef and 20% fat, which helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful while still holding its shape well during cooking. Avoid leaner blends, as they can result in a dry meatloaf.

How long should I bake a two-pound Southern meatloaf?

A two-pound Southern meatloaf generally needs about 1 hour and 10 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). However, oven performance can vary, so it’s best to check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the center; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

How do I know when my Southern meatloaf is fully cooked?

The most reliable way to check if your Southern meatloaf is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part — once it reads 160°F (71°C), the meatloaf is safely cooked. The outside should be browned, and juices should run clear when cut.

What traditional side dishes go well with Southern meatloaf?

Classic sides for Southern meatloaf include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, steamed carrots or peas, cornbread or biscuits, and a crisp coleslaw. These sides complement the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf and make for a satisfying Southern-style meal.

Can I make Southern meatloaf ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, Southern meatloaf can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Make sure to keep it moist by adding a little broth or sauce if needed to prevent drying out.

Southern Meatloaf Recipe Easy Prep With Rich Classic Flavor

Name: Southern Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: – 2 lbs ground chuck; – 1 cup diced yellow onion; – 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; – 3 tablespoons milk; – A couple of dashes Worcestershire sauce; – 1 tablespoon steak sauce; – 2 tablespoons ketchup; – 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); – 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); – 1 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; – 2 eggs, lightly beaten; – 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs; – 1/3 cup ketchup; – 2 tablespoons brown sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder; – 1 tablespoon steak sauce

Ingredients

– 2 lbs ground chuck

– 1 cup diced yellow onion

– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

– 3 tablespoons milk

– A couple of dashes Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon steak sauce

– 2 tablespoons ketchup

– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

– 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

– 1/3 cup ketchup

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

– 1 tablespoon steak sauce

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Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190.5°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easy and promote better texture.

2-In a large bowl, mix all the meatloaf ingredients first with a spatula, then by hand until evenly blended, ensuring not to overwork the mixture for a tender result.

3-Shape the blended mixture into a loaf on the lined baking sheet, forming it compactly for even baking.

4-In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth, then brush half of it onto the loaf for a flavorful topping.

5-Bake for 1 hour, remove from the oven, apply the remaining glaze, and bake for another 15 minutes or until fully done. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces to lock in the juices.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥩 Use higher fat ground beef for added moisture and flavor.
🍴 Bake on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan for better texture and easier slicing.
🌶️ Adjust seasonings as preferred and omit onion or bell pepper for a firmer loaf.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1 inch)
Calories: 389 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 645 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 148 mg