Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for tenderness)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (finely diced (use jalapenos for spicier))
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or use Ritz crackers for extra buttery richness, or bread crumbs)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes (optional Chili Pepper Madness touch)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (optional for extra tang)
• Pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven. Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.

2. 2

   Sauté the Veggies. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic for the last 30 seconds. Cool slightly.

3. 3

   Mix the Meatloaf. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked vegetables, crackers, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup, and seasonings.

4. 4

   Mix gently with your hands just until combined. Don’t overwork it or it can become mealy - that’s the difference between tender and tough.

5. 5

   Shape & Bake. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on your baking sheet (or press into a loaf pan). Bake 45 minutes. TIP: Add a small pan filled with water to the oven to keep the meatloaf moist.

6. 6

   Add the Glaze. Whisk the glaze ingredients together. Brush half over the meatloaf. Bake another 15-20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F. Drain off any excess grease if desired. Brush the remaining glaze on top before serving.

7. 7

   Rest. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. This is important for moist meatloaf and clean slices. Enjoy!