Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Nothing says comfort food quite like this classic Southern Meatloaf Recipe. Finished with a rich, sweet tomato glaze, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. Even better, the leftovers make an irresistibly delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day.

Easy Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, and this longtime family favorite never disappoints. Around our table, it earned the name “Delicious Meatloaf” because everyone agrees it’s simply the best. While meatloaf may not be considered gourmet cuisine, it’s the kind of hearty, homestyle meal that brings back memories of family dinners and gatherings around the kitchen table.

One thing those meals taught me is that meatloaf should never be boring, bland, or dry. A truly great meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, with a rich texture and a savory glaze that keeps every bite moist and satisfying. This Southern-style version delivers all the classic comfort you crave while turning a humble dish into something your family will ask for again and again.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Easy Meatloaf Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Hamburger – Lean ground beef forms the base of the meatloaf mixture.
• Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs add bul k and texture.
• Onion and Bell Pepper – Sweet onion and green bell pepper expands the flavor.
• Spices – Store-bought barbecue seasoning, sat and black pepper.
• Milk – Buttermilk adds moisture and a tangy flavor.
• Mustard – A good dollop of yellow mustard enhances the taste.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs bind and stabilize the meatloaf while baking.
• Worcestershire Sauce – In my kitchen where’s there’s beef, there’s worcestershire sauce. It adds depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil – You’ll need oil to saute the veggies prior to adding to the meatloaf.
• Soup – I use Progresso tomato basil soup to add moisture and flavor to the meatloaf and to make the glaze.
• Glaze – Tomato basil soup, light brown sugar, mustard and ketchup for the glaze.

How to Make Southern Meatloaf Recipe

• Make the Tomato Glaze – Mix together cup soup, ketchup, brown sugar and mustard until smooth. Set aside.
• Prepare Pan and Heat Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray.
• Saute Vegetables – Saute the diced onions and peppers in a few drizzles of olive oil until softened and translucent, season with salt and black pepper. This step removes some of the moisture.
• Make Meatloaf Mixture – Mix together ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, soup, buttermilk, eggs, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue seasoning and pepper. Add cooked peppers and onions. Mix well.
• Transfer Ground Beef Mixture to Pan – Shape meat mixture into a loaf shape, slide the loaf onto the center of prepared pan.
• Shape – Pat the meatloaf into an oblong loaf shape approximately 2 1/2 inches thick. It’s important to make the loaf proportional so it will cook evenly. 
• Glaze – Pour half of the glaze over the top.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time ihn the recipe, top with remaining glaze.
• Stand Time – Rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes then slice and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern-Style Meatloaf Recipe

• A large bowl, a small bowl.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.
• Medium skillet.
• Rimmed sheet pan and heavy duty aluminum foil.
• Instant-read thermometer to test the internal temperature and check for doneness.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein – Quality ingredients result in a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Use the best ground beef for the mixture. You could also adapt this meatloaf recipe using a combination of pork and beef or ground turkey.
• BBQ Seasoning – You can use your favorite barbecue seasoning in this recipe. They will have differing amounts of sodium, so you can add more or less salt to suit your taste.
• Breadcrumbs – Some Southerners like to use crushed saltine crackers as a binder in classic meatloaf. Others may use fresh bread crumbs, crushed ritz crackers or quick cooking oatmeal. I use panko in the recipe, and it works beautifully.
• Onion – It’s ideal to use a white onion or sweet Vidalia onion for the filling as a yellow onion has a more robust flavor.
• Bell Peppers – You can use red bell pepper or yellow bell peppers.
• Glaze – The sweet tomato glaze made with ketchup, makes it a spectacular choice for eating later as a sandwich. Use the brand of ketchup for the glaze that you already enjoy.
• Optional Pan – If you use ground beef with a higher fat content (ie. 80/20) the meatloaf should be prepared in a baking dish or loaf pan to keep its shape.
• Test for Doneness – You can use a meat thermometer to check the meatloaf for doneness. Insert into the thickest part of the center looking for 160°F.
• Serving Options –  We love meatloaf with mashed potatoes, cornbread or biscuits, honey carrots, mac and cheese and a side of green beans.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This meatloaf can be fully assembled in the morning and covered and chilled until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover with plastic wrap and tuck it away in the fridge until you’re ready to prepare dinner.
• Bring to Room Temperature – When assembling meatloaf in advance, top it with the sweet glaze just before putting it into the oven to bake and allow 15-20 minutes on the counter before baking.
• Leftovers – Store Delicious Southern Meatloaf in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy on sandwiches or slider rolls.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in single serving portions in an air fryer, oven or microwave.
• Freezer – Freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Meatloaf Recipes to Make

• Barbecue Meatloaf Sliders are a tasty option for game day snacks.
• Mini Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Meatloaves make it possible to bake meatloaf for dinner any night of the week.
• Cheese Stuffed Taco Meatloaf is a festive way to celebrate Taco Tuesday.
• Slow Cooker Meatloaf Meatballs from Culinary Hill for a two bite appetizer.
• This Cheesy Italian Meatloaf is made in a Bundt pan.
• Make this little Turkey Meatloaf Muffins topped with mashed potatoes baked in a muffin pan.
• Chicken Meatloaf from Courtney’s Sweets.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Cutting Board
• Olive Oil Dispenser
• Kitchen Utensils