Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, classic dish with a little Southern charm, you’ve got to try this Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect hearty meal that brings together juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Rich, Classic Flavor: The blend of ground beef, onions, and bell peppers gives this meatloaf a timeless Southern taste that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Perfectly Balanced Tangy Glaze: The topping combines ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard powder for an irresistible glaze that adds a delightful zing.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With everyday pantry staples, you can pull together this dish quickly and easily.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe fits right in and impresses without fuss.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—onions and peppers add flavor and texture, while the milk and Worcestershire sauce keep the meatloaf moist and tender. The glaze ingredients bring that signature tanginess that brightens the whole dish.

• Ground beef: A must-have base for that juicy, tender texture; use 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture.
• Diced white onion and green bell pepper: These aromatics add a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch that perfectly complement the beef.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and a savory umami note to the meat mixture.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they help bind everything while keeping the meatloaf from feeling dense.
• Eggs: Essential for binding ingredients together so your meatloaf holds its shape beautifully.
• Ketchup: Used both inside the meatloaf and in the glaze, providing a familiar sweet and tangy flavor.
• Brown sugar and mustard powder (for glaze): These create a delightful contrast, with sweetness and a hint of spice to balance the savory meat.

How to Make Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, heat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Line a 9-inch loaf pan with foil—it makes cleanup a breeze—and give it a light spritz of cooking spray so your meatloaf slips out perfectly once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onions, green bell peppers, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. I highly recommend getting your hands in there to mix everything gently but thoroughly—this helps everything meld together for a tender, well-seasoned meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape and Glaze

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan, pressing it in evenly so it bakes uniformly. Now, whisk together the glaze ingredients—ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard powder—until smooth. Spread half of this tangy glaze on top of the meatloaf before baking. Save the rest for a delicious finish later!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your meatloaf for about 1 hour at 375°F. It’s ready when it feels firm to the touch and slightly pulls away from the edges of the pan. This means the inside is cooked through and juicy without drying out.

Step 5: Final Glaze and Serve

Pull the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Then, using the foil edges, lift the whole loaf out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into thick, hearty pieces and get ready for a bite full of Southern comfort!

How to Serve Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions brightens the plate and adds a burst of color and mild freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich meatloaf.

Side Dishes

This Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance out the rich flavors. Don’t forget some warm cornbread to complete that Southern vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra glaze on the side. Or make mini meatloaves in muffin tins for a fun, family-friendly twist that’s perfect for parties and easy portion control.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, you’ll have ready-to-eat comfort food waiting for you on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatloaf slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf lasts up to 3 months and thaws beautifully without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm meatloaf slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a minute or two, or pop them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Southern Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe enough for anyone looking to cozy up with a delicious, easy-to-make meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—full of flavor, nostalgia, and plenty of heart. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your new go-to comfort food!

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