Southern Nana’s Meatloaf Recipe | Moist, Flavorful & Timeless Classic
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade meatloaf, especially when it’s straight from Nana’s Southern kitchen. This Southern Nana’s Meatloaf is juicy, tender, and full of rich, savory flavor—just like Grandma used to make. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or Sunday family favorite, topped with a sweet ketchup glaze and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern-style meatloaf recipe uses classic pantry staples and a few secret flavor boosters:
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1 ½ pounds ground beef
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½ cup finely chopped onion
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¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
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½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
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¼ cup milk
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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½ cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
Tip: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
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Ground beef
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Chopped onion
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Green bell pepper
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Breadcrumbs
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Milk
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Egg
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Worcestershire sauce
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Minced garlic
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Salt, black pepper, and paprika
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½ cup of ketchup
Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly. Don’t overmix, as that can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
You can place it in a greased loaf pan for a traditional shape, or form it by hand on a lined baking sheet for crispier edges.
Step 4: Add the Ketchup Glaze
Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
This adds a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until:
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The internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
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The top is browned and the edges are slightly crisp
Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Step 6: Rest, Slice & Serve
Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
This helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.
Serve in thick slices with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Southern-style meatloaf with classic comfort sides:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Southern-style green beans
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Skillet cornbread
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Mac and cheese
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Buttered corn or roasted carrots
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Microwave gently or bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
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Chop vegetables finely so they cook through without leaving crunchy bits.
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Add extra garlic or a pinch of Italian seasoning for more flavor.
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Let the mixture chill for 10 minutes before baking for easier shaping.
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Want more flavor? Add 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce to the ketchup glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, but reduce cooking time to 50–55 minutes, and use a thermometer to ensure doneness.
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
❓ What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain, unseasoned breadcrumbs work best, but panko can be used for a lighter texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Southern Nana’s Meatloaf recipe has stood the test of time. It’s hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying—just like Southern comfort food should be. With its savory beef blend, tender crumb, and sweet ketchup glaze, it’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together.
Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments! What sides do you love with meatloaf?