Homestyle Southern Meatloaf Dinner 🍽️

A classic Southern comfort meal featuring a tender, flavorful meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, served with creamy mashed potatoes and traditional sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

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Southern Meatloaf

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Southern Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Ground beef
   • Breadcrumbs
   • Onion
   • Bell pepper
   • Garlic
   • Eggs
   • Milk
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • Ketchup
   • Mustard
   • Seasonings
4. Mix gently until combined—do not overmix or the meatloaf may become dense.
5. Shape into a loaf and place in the pan or on a lined baking sheet.

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2. Add the Glaze

Mix all glaze ingredients together and spread half over the meatloaf before baking.

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3. Bake

• Bake for 45 minutes.
• Spread remaining glaze over the top.
• Continue baking for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Creamy Southern Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 2½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup warm milk or cream
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
2. Drain well.
3. Mash with butter, warm milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Garnish with herbs.

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Southern-Style Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound green beans
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Add green beans and chicken broth.
4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender.

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Classic Dinner Plate

Serve slices of meatloaf with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Southern green beans
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Gravy (optional)
• Pickles or coleslaw

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked slices for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave gently.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Meatloaf only, without sides)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 7 g

Southern Tips for the Best Meatloaf

• Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy texture.
• Crushed buttery crackers (like saltines) give a traditional Southern flavor.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it stays moist.
• Add a few tablespoons of beef broth to the mixture for an extra tender loaf.
• A ketchup glaze caramelizes beautifully and gives the classic diner-style finish.