17 Old Fashioned Southern Meatloaf Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
For many people, southern meatloaf is more than just a dish - it's a beloved tradition that has been passed down through generations. The combination of flavorful ground beef, tangy ketchup, and a touch of sweetness makes this classic recipe a staple in southern kitchens. If you're looking to bring a taste of the south to your dinner table, look no further than this old fashioned southern meatloaf recipe. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Water, Milk, Grits, Kosher Salt, Heavy Cream, Unsalted
No southern meal is complete without a side of creamy grits. This old fashioned recipe is a true crowd pleaser, with its smooth texture and rich flavor. The secret to perfect grits is slow cooking them on the stovetop, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Serve them up with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt for a truly indulgent side dish.
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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs
Sweet potato pie is a staple dessert in the South, especially during the holiday season. This old fashioned recipe uses simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a sweet and spiced filling. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect ending to any meal.
Cornbread is a classic southern staple that pairs perfectly with any meal. This old fashioned recipe creates a dense and flavorful cornbread that is perfect for soaking up gravy or soup. The key to this recipe is using buttermilk and bacon grease for added richness and flavor.
Green beans are a must-have side dish in any southern meal. This old fashioned recipe takes simple ingredients like fresh green beans, bacon, and onion and transforms them into a flavorful and hearty side dish. Slow cooking the green beans in chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that can't be beat.
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Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Oil, Milk
These classic southern cookies are a favorite among many families. This old fashioned recipe uses butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to create a soft and buttery cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea. The key to these tea cakes is to roll the dough thin and bake them until they are just lightly golden on the edges.
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and hearty meal that has been passed down for generations in the South. This old fashioned recipe uses chicken thighs, vegetables, and homemade dumplings to create a rich and flavorful dish. The key to perfect chicken and dumplings is to simmer the chicken until it is fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Water, Stewing Hen, Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme
Brunswick stew is a classic southern dish that originated in Georgia. This old fashioned recipe uses a combination of pork, beef, and chicken along with vegetables and tomatoes to create a hearty and flavorful stew. The longer you let this stew simmer, the more the flavors will meld together.
Peach cobbler is a beloved dessert in the South and for good reason. This old fashioned recipe uses fresh peaches, cinnamon, and butter to create a sweet and juicy filling. Top it off with a buttery crust and a sprinkle of sugar for a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Good Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Corn Meal, Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Buttermilk
This simple cornbread recipe has been passed down for generations in southern families. It uses basic ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk to create a moist and flavorful cornbread. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey for a true southern treat.
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Creamy Old Fashioned Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Large Onion, Garlic Powder, Creole
Butter beans are a staple in southern cooking, and this old fashioned recipe is a tried and true favorite. The key to creamy butter beans is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender. Serve them up with a sprinkle of bacon for added flavor.
Peach cobbler is a beloved dessert in the South and for good reason. This old fashioned recipe uses fresh peaches, cinnamon, and butter to create a sweet and juicy filling. Top it off with a buttery crust and a sprinkle of sugar for a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Old-Fashioned Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Biscuits are a staple in southern cooking and this old fashioned recipe is a must-try. These biscuits are light, flaky, and buttery, making them the perfect addition to any meal. The key to perfect biscuits is to handle the dough gently and not overwork it.
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Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding Dessert
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Yolks, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
Banana pudding is a classic southern dessert that is loved by many. This old fashioned recipe uses vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and homemade pudding to create a creamy and indulgent dessert. Serve it up in a trifle dish for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This skillet cornbread is a true southern classic. It is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and tender center. This old fashioned recipe uses cornmeal, buttermilk, and bacon grease for a truly delicious cornbread that will have you coming back for more.
Meatloaf is a staple comfort food in the South, and this old fashioned recipe is a true winner. It uses a combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs for a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Top it off with a ketchup glaze for a classic and delicious meal.
This smothered chicken recipe is a true southern comfort food. It uses chicken thighs, onions, and gravy for a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Southern Candied Yams (Old Fashioned Soul Food)
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown
Candied yams are a classic soul food dish that is loved by many in the South. This old fashioned recipe uses yams, brown sugar, and butter to create a sweet and indulgent side dish. The key to perfect candied yams is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cornbread dressing is a staple side dish in southern cooking, especially during the holiday season. This old fashioned recipe uses cornbread, chicken broth, and vegetables to create a flavorful and hearty dressing. Top it off with a gravy for a truly indulgent holiday meal.
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Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned!
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Shortening, Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese
This pound cake recipe has been passed down for generations in southern families. It uses cream cheese for added richness and vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness. Serve it up with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
Collard greens are a staple side dish in southern cooking, and this old fashioned recipe is a must-try. The key to perfect collard greens is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and the greens to become tender. Serve them up with a sprinkle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
The Secret Ingredient
The key to a delicious southern meatloaf lies in one secret ingredient - crushed crackers.
Adding crushed crackers to the meatloaf mixture not only adds a unique texture, but also helps bind the ingredients together. This trick has been used by southern cooks for decades and is what sets this recipe apart from others. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of crackers - some prefer saltines, while others swear by Ritz crackers. Whichever kind you choose, be sure to crush them into fine crumbs for the best results.
Prep and Cook Time
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity - it requires just 10 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cook time.
To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, mix together ground beef, finely chopped onions, crushed crackers, beaten eggs, ketchup, and some bold spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Once all the ingredients are well combined, shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. Spread a generous layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf and pop it in the oven for an hour. When the timer goes off, your delicious southern meatloaf will be hot and ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned southern meatloaf recipe is delicious on its own, but can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal.
Some popular side dishes to serve with this meatloaf include mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. For a more traditional southern meal, try serving the meatloaf with collard greens and macaroni and cheese. Leftovers are also great for sandwiches the next day.
In Conclusion
This old fashioned southern meatloaf recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity and taste, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.
By using crushed crackers as a key ingredient, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're craving a taste of the south, give this recipe a try and savor the delicious flavors of this beloved southern dish.