Especially Good Meat Loaf South

Elevate your comfort food game with the "Especially Good Meat Loaf South," a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. Packed with a mouthwatering combo of ground beef and pork, this Southern-inspired dish gets its bold, savory flavor from onions, green bell peppers, garlic, and the perfect blend of smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and ground mustard. A touch of cheddar cheese adds richness, while panko bread crumbs keep it tender yet firm. But the real star? The irresistible glaze, a sweet-tangy blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Ready in just under 90 minutes and perfect for family dinners, this recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Try this easy, baked meatloaf recipe today for a comforting main course that’s full of Southern charm!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 0.5 pounds ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork until well-mixed. Do not overwork the meat.

Step 3

Add the onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the mixture. Mix gently to combine.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and beaten eggs. Add this mixture to the meat mixture.

Step 5

Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs and shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it gently to form a loaf, ensuring it is level across the top.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.

Step 8

Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meat loaf, covering it completely.

Step 9

Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle reads 160°F (71°C).

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes in the pan. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Step 11

Carefully remove the meat loaf from the pan, slice, and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2123.8 grams (2123.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4483

Total Fat 288.40g	370%
Saturated Fat 120.30g	602%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1351mg	450%
Sodium 7762mg	337%
Total Carbohydrate 189.00g	69%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 77.90g
Protein 275.80g	552%

Vitamin D 214IU	1070%
Calcium 1574mg	121%
Iron 32mg	176%
Potassium 3900mg	83%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.3%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 17.0%