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10-Minute Prep Southern-Style Meatloaf Recipe

This Southern meatloaf blends seasoned ground beef with breadcrumbs, aromatics, and a classic ketchup glaze. The result is a tender, juicy loaf packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make—about 10 minutes of prep, then the oven does the rest.

Southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is resting on a wood cutting board. Half of the meatloaf has been sliced to serve and the meatloaf is garnished with fresh parsley.

Table of Contents

My Take On Southern Meatloaf

This Southern meatloaf is one of my go-to recipes. A balance of seasonings, including a subtle clove note, gives it a distinctive, homey flavor you won’t find in every meatloaf. It also comes together quickly—mix the ingredients, form the loaf, and bake.

While the meatloaf cooks, I usually prepare a couple of simple sides. It pairs beautifully with rice, twice-baked or mashed potatoes, cornbread, green beans, or grit cakes. That said, the meatloaf is excellent on its own, too.

Southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is resting on a wood cutting board. Half of the meatloaf has been sliced to serve and the meatloaf is garnished with fresh parsley. A half-empty bowl of parsley is next to the meatloaf.

Ingredients

This recipe uses common pantry ingredients, so chances are you already have most of them. Below is everything you need:

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers/cornbread crumbs)
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • ½ green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • Parsley, for serving

Feel free to swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork, or use leaner beef if you prefer lower fat. Breadcrumbs can be adjusted with crackers or crumbled cornbread for a more Southern touch.

An assortment of ingredients including bowls of bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, raw ground beef, ketchup, and seasonings. Most of the bowls are on a blue dish towel and everything is on a grey counter.

How To Make Southern Meatloaf

This meatloaf is straightforward: a little mixing, shaping, glazing, and baking. Prep takes about 10 minutes; baking takes about an hour.

A large white mixing bowl with all of the raw ingredients to make southern meatloaf in the bowl. The ingredients have not yet been mixed together. The bowl is on a blue dish towel on a grey counter and bowls of ketchup and parsley lay next to the bowl. There is a spon in the bowl of ketchup.

Step 1: Prep Work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the ketchup. Mix until everything is evenly distributed but don’t overwork the meat.

An uncooked loaf of southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is on a blue dish towel on a grey counter. Bowls of parsley and ketchup lay next to the meatloaf with a spoon in the ketchup bowl.

Step 2: Shape The Meatloaf

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf with your hands and place it on the sheet or gently press into the pan.

An uncooked loaf of southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. A hand is spooning ketchup on the loaf. The dish is on a blue dish towel on a grey counter and a bowl of parsley is next to the dish.

Step 3: Add The Ketchup

Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. For a sweeter, more caramelized glaze, stir in a little brown sugar with the ketchup before spreading.

An uncooked loaf of southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish with ketchup covering the meatloaf. The dish is on a blue dish towel on a grey counter and bowls of parsley and ketchup lay next to the dish. There is a spoon in the ketchup bowl.

Step 4: Bake The Meatloaf

Bake the meatloaf for 50–60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For the juiciest result, remove it at about 155°F and let it rest; carryover heat will bring it to 160°F.

Once cooked, slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooked southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish on a wooden cutting board. Bowls of ketchup and parsley are next to the dish and a plate of sweet potatoes are to the right of the cutting board.

My Recommendations For Storing The Meatloaf

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Leftovers keep well and often taste even better the next day.

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 4 months—wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is resting on a wood cutting board. Half of the meatloaf has been sliced to serve.

My Recommendations For Reheating The Meatloaf

To reheat, preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), place the loaf in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

For single slices, an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes works well. In a hurry, microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm.

Southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is resting on a wood cutting board. The meatloaf has been slice to serve and layers are stacked on top of one another.

FAQs About This Southern Meatloaf Recipe

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

Moist meatloaf relies on ingredients that add moisture—eggs and Worcestershire sauce help bind and keep the loaf juicy—and on not overcooking it. Use a thermometer and remove the loaf at about 155°F, then rest until it reaches 160°F.

What makes Southern meatloaf “Southern”?

Southern meatloaf doesn’t have one defining trait, but common elements include well-seasoned ground meat, binding ingredients like breadcrumbs or cornbread, vegetables such as onions and bell peppers, and a glaze often made from ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.

Southern meatloaf on parchment paper in a white baking dish. The dish is resting on a wood cutting board. Half of the meatloaf has been sliced to serve and the meatloaf is garnished with fresh parsley. Half-empty bowls of parsley and ketchup lay next to the meatloaf.

My Final Thoughts

This Southern meatloaf is a reliable, easy weeknight dinner that requires minimal hands-on time. It bakes mostly unattended and delivers satisfying, comforting flavor that family and guests will enjoy.

If you try the recipe, leave a comment to share how it turned out.

More Dinner Recipes

Looking for more simple dinner ideas? Here are a few favorites from the same kitchen:

  • Applebee’s quesadilla burger
  • Alice Springs chicken
  • Ham balls
  • Crack chicken casserole
  • Chicken divan
  • Salmon pasta
  • Boiled chicken and rice
  • Spicy ramen
Yield: 8 Slices

Southern Meatloaf Recipe Takes Just 10 Min. To Prep

A southern meatloaf on a sheet of parchment paper in a baking dish.

This Southern meatloaf combines seasoned ground beef with breadcrumbs, aromatics, and ketchup for a tender, flavorful result that’s quick to prep and satisfying to serve.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • ½ cup Bread crumbs
  • ½ Onion, chopped
  • ½ Green Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ⅓ cup Ketchup
  • Parsley to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC).
  2. Place all the ingredients except for the ketchup in a bowl and combine fully.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form meatloaf with your hands, place it on the paper.
  4. Cover the top with ketchup.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Slice and serve with parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 189Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 305mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 17g

© I’m Hungry For That


Cuisine:

Southern

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