Introduction
There’s something magical about the smell of Southern-Style Meatloaf baking in the oven. Growing up, Sundays meant family, laughter, and that sweet tang of ketchup glaze wafting through the kitchen. It’s one of those meals that never goes out of style — comforting, nostalgic, and packed with flavor.
This version is a love letter to Southern comfort food. It’s tender, juicy, and just the right balance of savory and sweet. If you’ve ever wished for a no-fuss dinner that tastes like Grandma’s but fits your weeknight schedule, this is the one.
What Makes This Southern Meatloaf Special
- Classic Southern flavor: Ground beef and pork come together for rich depth and a signature taste.
- Quick & simple prep: Just mix, shape, and bake — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & forgiving: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
- Crowd-pleasing & cozy: That shiny glaze wins everyone over at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Small bowl (for glaze)
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
How to Make Southern-Style Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking dish.
- Mix the meat base. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Shape the loaf. Gently form into a loaf and place it on the prepared pan.
- Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Brush and bake. Spread half the glaze on top and bake for 30 minutes.
- Glaze again. Add the rest of the glaze and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest and serve. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing for perfect, juicy pieces.
Quick Ingredient Swap Table
| Ingredient | Substitute | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey | Lighter but still flavorful |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or oats | Adds rustic texture |
| Ketchup | BBQ sauce | Smokier Southern twist |
| Brown sugar | Honey | Slightly different sweetness |
| Thyme | Italian seasoning | Adds herbal depth |
What to Serve With Southern Meatloaf
No meatloaf dinner is complete without the sides! Try these Southern favorites:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery, and perfect for catching that glaze.
- Collard Greens or Green Beans: Add a little tang and crunch to balance the rich meat.
- Sweet Cornbread: That golden slice on the side makes every bite nostalgic.
For more side dish ideas, check out our Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter and Southern Skillet Green Beans recipes.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overmix. Handle the meat gently to keep it tender.
- Use both beef and pork. Pork adds just enough fat for flavor and moisture.
- Rest before slicing. This keeps all those savory juices locked in.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until hot. Or pop a slice in the skillet for that crispy edge we all secretly love.
You can also freeze the loaf — baked or unbaked — for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
1. What makes Southern-Style Meatloaf different?
It’s the combination of beef and pork, that hint of thyme, and the sweet ketchup glaze that gives it its Southern charm.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works great — just add a splash more milk to keep it moist.
3. How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture has enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs). Let it rest before slicing.
4. What sides go best with Southern meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread are timeless choices.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. How long do leftovers last?
Stored properly, they stay fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge — or freeze for longer.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Meatloaf is pure comfort on a plate. It’s simple, hearty, and hits that home-cooked sweet spot every time.
So the next time you’re craving a warm, satisfying dinner, skip takeout and try this Southern classic. Make it, share it, and don’t forget to post your version on Instagram or TikTok — I love seeing your creations!
And if you’re in the mood for another Southern staple, you’ll love our Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bites and Easy Sweet Tea Lemonade — both are tried, true, and oh-so-delicious.
Southern-Style Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Small bowl (for glaze)
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Gently form the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add the remaining glaze and bake for another 30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
