Southern Meatloaf

5 from 5 votes

This easy old-fashioned Southern meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for weeknights!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: southern meatloaf

Servings: servings

Calories: 604kcal

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9 inch loaf pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together all of the meatloaf ingredients. I find that it is easiest to use my hands so I can really feel everything getting mixed together well.
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1/2 cup diced white onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 2 Tablespoons whole milk, 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce, 3 Tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Scoop the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly inside the pan.
Next, make the meatloaf glaze. Whisk all of the ingredients for the glaze together in a small bowl. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and save the rest for after the meatloaf bakes.
1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon mustard powder
Bake the meatloaf in the hot oven for 1 hour. The meatloaf should feel firm when touched and also be pulled away from the edges of the pan slightly.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the rest of the glaze over the top.
Use the edges of the foil to pull the meatloaf up and out of the pan. Then, slice and enjoy!

Use your hands to mix it. Okay, if you're squeamish, you might be hesitant, but it's really the best way to make sure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated so every part of your meatloaf is well-seasoned.
Don't over-work the meat. Squeezing, mixing, and pressing too much or too vigorously will give you a tough, dense meatloaf. You want to be thorough, but also use a light hand
No loaf pan? If you don't have a loaf pan, you can also bake the meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Shape the meatloaf mixture on the pan, creating a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide. Bake the meatloaf on the tray for about 50 minutes.