How to Make Southern Meatloaf is a classic comfort food recipe made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a tangy ketchup glaze. It's perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and easy leftovers. The meatloaf bakes up tender and juicy while the sweet and savory topping caramelizes for a rich Southern-style finish.
If you like this easy meatloaf recipe, you may also love our Instant Pot Mississippi Roast or our Sloppy Joe Sliders.
How to Make a Southern Meatloaf at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 1 hour
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🔥 Cook Method: Oven-baked
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Southern comfort food
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Southern Bacon and Green Beans, Baked Beans with Ground Beef, Skillet Cornbread.
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We like to make mealoaf sandwiches with leftovers the next day and pile them high with these Air Fryer Onion Strings. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Well-Seasoned Flavor: Ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and a tangy glaze give this meatloaf a rich, savory flavor in every bite.
- Simple Preparation: The ingredients come together in one bowl with easy steps that work well for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
- Family-Friendly Dinner: This hearty meatloaf pairs easily with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a dependable weeknight meal.
- Leftovers Reheat Well: Extra slices stay tender and flavorful, making them great for next-day lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Southern Style Meatloaf Ingredients
Here's everything you need to know to make the best meatloaf!
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest meatloaf. The fat content ensures the meat stays moist during cooking.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Lightly beat it before adding.
- Onion: Finely diced onion adds sweetness and moisture to the meatloaf.
- Milk: Whole milk helps to moisten the breadcrumbs, creating a tender loaf.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light texture and helps absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf from being too dense. If you enjoy a panko crust, try our Panko Chicken.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors of the meat and seasonings.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor to the meatloaf.
- Garlic (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, add minced garlic to the meat mixture.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or quick-cooking oats.
- Milk: Replace with unsweetened almond milk or beef broth for a dairy-free option.
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How to Make a Southern Meatloaf with a Ketchup Topping
STEP 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, diced onion, ½ cup milk, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
STEP 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a lined and greased baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf, approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
STEP 3: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Spread half of the topping mixture evenly over the meatloaf.
STEP 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven, spread the remaining topping over the meatloaf, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Mix with your hands to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
✔️ DO Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to keep it juicy and make slicing easier.
✔️ DO Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Storage
Store leftover Southern meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Southern meatloaf typically includes ingredients like crackers or breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and a sweet and tangy ketchup topping. It's known for its flavor and moist texture, which comes from the combination of these ingredients and cooking techniques.
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, add the topping and cook as directed. You can also freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to three months and thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
To keep your meatloaf moist, use a combination of high-fat ground beef (like 80/20), add milk to the breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking also helps retain moisture.
More Ground Beef Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
How to Make a Southern Meatloaf with a Ketchup Topping
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef preferably 80/20 for juiciness
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- ½ cup whole milk (add up to ¾ cup if the mixture seems too dry)
- 1 cup dried panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional for extra flavor)
Topping
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, diced onion, ½ cup milk, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add up to ¼ cup more milk until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf, approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of the topping mixture evenly over the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining topping over it. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a more flavorful and moist meatloaf.
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Notes
- Use ground beef with enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Shape the loaf evenly so it cooks at the same rate throughout.
- Add extra milk gradually only if the mixture feels dry.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the juices settle properly.
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