🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Southern Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
👩🍳 Directions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil
2. Mix the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Onion, bell pepper, garlic
- Eggs and milk
- Ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire
- All seasonings
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix—it makes it tough)
3. Shape
- Form into a loaf shape and place in pan or on baking sheet
- Smooth the top slightly
4. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
5. Bake (Part 1)
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes
6. Add Glaze & Finish
- Remove from oven and spread glaze evenly over the top
- Return to oven and bake another 15–25 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C)
7. Rest & Serve
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a true Southern meal
🔥 Southern Tips
- Add a splash of hot sauce for a little kick
- Swap breadcrumbs for crushed saltine crackers (very traditional)
- A bit of bacon on top before baking = next-level flavor