Good Old Southern-Style Tasty Meat Loaf
A hearty Southern-style meat loaf with savory flavors, tender texture, and a moist crumb, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine and mix well all ingredients for the meat loaf except the bread.
- Saturate each slice of bread with water, squeeze out the excess water, and add the crumbled bread to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly again.
- Pour the mixture into a meat loaf pan.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).
- Remove from oven and loosely cover with tin foil.
- Let it rest for about 30 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meat loaf, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or mustard to the mix. If you're out of tomato paste, ketchup can be a suitable substitute. To avoid a dry meat loaf, ensure not to overbake it. Feel free to experiment with herbs like parsley or thyme for added depth. This recipe is a classic among American recipes, so enjoy its traditional taste.
Serving Suggestions
This meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal. For a twist, serve it with a side of coleslaw or cornbread. Consider drizzling with extra tomato paste or ketchup for added moisture and flavor. It also makes a great sandwich filling for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Old Southern-Style Tasty Meat Loaf contains roughly 807 calories, with 13g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2388mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef to create a leaner meat loaf. However, it may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor. You might also consider adding a bit of olive oil to keep the meat moist during baking.
How can I prevent the meat loaf from falling apart?
To ensure your meat loaf holds together, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and let it rest after baking. The eggs act as a binder, and allowing it to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its shape.
What can I do with leftover meat loaf?
Leftover meat loaf can be creatively repurposed into sandwiches, served in a salad, or crumbled into a pasta sauce for a hearty meal. You can also try making mini meat loaf muffins for a fun twist. This versatility makes it a great addition to your meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).