Southern Meat Loaf
Southern Meat Loaf is a hearty and comforting dish rich in savory flavors, combining lean ground beef or turkey with a blend of spices and condiments. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is easy to make and can be customized with different toppings for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. bread crumbs or crushed crackers or potato chips, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 c. tomato juice
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped onions or green onions ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tomato ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and form into a loaf.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- When done, top with additional tomato ketchup if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with lean turkey for a healthier option. If you don’t have tomato juice, you can use V8 juice or even beef broth. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn chips for a gluten-free variation. For a flavor boost, try adding Worcestershire sauce or finely chopped bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables also pairs nicely. For a twist, try it on a sandwich with leftover meatloaf, topped with ketchup or BBQ sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Winter Vegetable Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Meat Loaf contains roughly 104 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% 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 freeze the meatloaf before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply remove the wrapping and bake at 350°F for an additional 15-30 minutes, checking for doneness.
What can I use instead of eggs in the recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. Alternatively, 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk can also work well. For a vegan option, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water, where 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg.
How can I add more flavor to the meatloaf?
To enhance the flavor of your meatloaf, consider adding minced garlic, chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, or even some grated cheese. A splash of soy sauce or hot sauce can also provide a nice kick. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
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).