If you're looking for a classic and delicious comfort food recipe, look no further than southern meatloaf. This hearty dish has been a staple in southern kitchens for generations, and for good reason. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making the perfect southern meatloaf and share some tips and tricks along the way. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Nothing says Southern comfort food like a hearty and flavorful meatloaf. This classic dish is a staple in many Southern households and is loved for its simplicity and deliciousness. The secret to a perfect Southern meatloaf is using a blend of ground beef and spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and southern-style green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of southern cornbread. This savory and slightly sweet bread is made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and sugar for a moist and delicious texture. The key to a perfect Southern cornbread is cooking it in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust. Serve with honey butter for the ultimate indulgence.
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting chicken dish, look no further than Southern smothered chicken. This dish is made by pan-frying chicken and then simmering it in a gravy made with onions, garlic, and spices. The result is a fall-off-the-bone tender chicken that is packed with flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and southern-style green beans for a complete meal.
Another classic Southern side dish is collard greens. These leafy greens are cooked with smoked ham hocks and southern spices for a flavorful and hearty side dish. Serve with cornbread for a traditional Southern meal or add some bacon for an extra indulgent twist.
Southern cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any holiday meal. This savory dressing is made with cornbread, chicken broth, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to a roasted turkey or southern-style ham. Top with some gravy for a truly indulgent experience.
Oxtails are a staple in Southern cooking and are often cooked in a savory gravy for a fall-off-the-bone tender dish. The key to a perfect Southern smothered oxtails is cooking them low and slow for maximum tenderness. Serve with rice or cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern breakfast is complete without a batch of southern biscuits. These flaky and buttery biscuits are perfect for topping with gravy or jam, or just enjoying on their own. The secret to a perfect Southern biscuit is using buttermilk for a tangy and rich flavor.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and the Southern version is no exception. This creamy and cheesy dish is made with elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Top with some breadcrumbs and bacon for a truly indulgent experience.
Another popular version of mac and cheese in the South is the baked variety. This cheesy and flavorful dish is made with macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a touch of mustard and Worcestershire sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Top with some paprika and breadcrumbs for a crispy and golden crust.
Southern pecan pie bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. These crumbly and nutty bars are made with a shortbread crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
When peaches are in season, there's no better way to enjoy them than in a southern peach cobbler. This sweet and juicy dessert is made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery crust. Top with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
If you're looking for a classic and flavorful side dish, look no further than Southern collard greens. These greens are cooked with smoked ham hocks and seasoned perfectly with spices for a hearty and satisfying side dish. Serve with cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip. This creamy and tangy spread is made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced pimentos. It's easy to make and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Cabbage is a staple in Southern cooking and is often cooked with bacon and southern spices for a flavorful and hearty side dish. Serve this simple and comforting dish alongside your favorite Southern entrees for a complete meal.
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Southern Meatloaf Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery Ribs, Green Bell
If you have leftovers from your Southern meatloaf, why not make some sandwiches? Simply slice the meatloaf and serve it on some sourdough bread with some lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a delicious and easy lunch or dinner option.
If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors, then you'll love Southern cornbread. This moist and delicious bread is made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal or great on its own as a snack.
Sausage gravy is a staple in Southern breakfasts and is loved for its savory and creamy flavor. This comforting and indulgent gravy is made with pan-fried sausage, milk, and spices. Serve over biscuits for a classic Southern dish.
Hush puppies are a beloved Southern side dish and are often served with seafood dishes. These cornmeal fritters are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Serve with some tartar sauce for a delicious and easy appetizer.
If you're looking for a hearty and vegetarian-friendly side dish, look no further than Southern squash casserole. This creamy and cheesy casserole is made with yellow squash, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It's the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Southern fried corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. This dish is made by sauteeing corn in butter and spices for a sweet and savory flavor. Serve alongside your favorite Southern dishes for a complete meal.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that screams Southern comfort food, then look no further than this delicious meatloaf recipe. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, this meatloaf is packed with savory flavors and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. It's the perfect dish to serve for a family dinner or to impress your friends at a backyard barbecue.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of skillet cornbread. This classic recipe is made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and is cooked in a cast iron skillet for that perfect crispy crust. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and comforting side dish.
If you're looking for a twist on traditional fried chicken, then this smothered chicken recipe is a must-try. The chicken is first marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to crispy perfection. But the real star of this dish is the rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Serve with mashed potatoes for a true Southern feast.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish to complement a main course. These hearty greens are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and smoked ham hock for a rich and savory flavor. Serve with a splash of vinegar for a bit of tang and a side of cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices.
This classic Southern dish is a must-have on any Thanksgiving or holiday table. Made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, and flavorful herbs and spices, this dressing is moist and flavorful. It's the perfect side dish to accompany a roasted turkey or ham, and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy, slow-cooked until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone. This smothered oxtail recipe takes it to the next level with a flavorful tomato-based gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. These flaky and buttery biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are the perfect accompaniment to any dish. Serve them with a drizzle of honey or use them to make a breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon for a delicious start to your day.
Southern-style mac and cheese is a creamy and indulgent dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this mac and cheese is baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It's comfort food at its finest.
If you're looking for a more traditional mac and cheese recipe, then this Southern version is for you. Made with elbow macaroni and a rich and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping. It's a classic and comforting dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Pecan pie is a Southern staple, and these pecan pie bars are a delicious twist on the classic dessert. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. They're a great dessert for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Peach cobbler is a quintessential Southern dessert, and this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh peaches and topped with a buttery and flaky crust, this cobbler is baked until bubbly and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the perfect way to end any meal.
This traditional collard greens recipe is a true taste of the South. Slow-cooked with smoked ham hock and seasonings, these greens are tender and full of flavor. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with a side of cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. This recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos for a creamy and tangy spread that is sure to be a hit at your next party or cookout.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is often overlooked. But this Southern-style cabbage recipe will make you fall in love with this humble vegetable. Cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings, this cabbage is full of flavor and makes a great side dish for any meal.
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Southern Meatloaf Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery Ribs, Green Bell
If you have any leftover meatloaf, don't let it go to waste. Turn it into a delicious sandwich with this recipe. Layer slices of meatloaf, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments between two slices of toasted bread for a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner.
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade cornbread. This simple and delicious recipe is made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk for a moist and flavorful bread. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious side dish.
Sausage gravy is a staple in Southern breakfasts, often served over biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe combines crumbled breakfast sausage, flour, and milk for a creamy and flavorful gravy that is perfect for dipping biscuits or smothering over your favorite breakfast foods.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish, made with a cornmeal batter and fried until crispy and golden brown. They are the perfect accompaniment to fried seafood or as a snack on their own. Serve them with a side of tartar sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to use up summer squash, then this casserole is the perfect recipe for you. Sliced squash is layered with a creamy and cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping. It's a great side dish for any meal or a vegetarian main course.
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish, but why not take it to the next level with this Southern fried corn recipe? Fresh corn kernels are sautéed with butter and seasonings for a flavorful and indulgent side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover corn and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Ingredients and Preparation
Gather Your Ingredients
To make a delicious southern meatloaf, you'll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices. You can also add in some diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting.
Preheat Your Oven
The next step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in a tough and dense meatloaf.
Forming and Baking the Meatloaf
Shape the Meatloaf
Once the mixture is evenly combined, transfer it to a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Make sure the meatloaf is evenly packed and has a smooth surface.
Add a Tasty Glaze
For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the top of the meatloaf with a glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. This will give your meatloaf a delicious sweet and tangy crust.
Bake and Let Rest
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Southern meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese. You can also top your meatloaf with some gravy or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delicious and easy southern meatloaf recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and flavorful results, this meatloaf is a true southern classic. So, next time you're craving some comfort food, give this recipe a try and taste the deliciousness of southern cooking.
