Southern Meatloaf

Southern Meatloaf is the kind of supper that feels steady and familiar — a tender, juicy loaf baked slow, brushed with a sweet-and-tangy glaze, and served hot with mashed potatoes or green beans. It’s simple, filling, and full of that quiet comfort that comes from recipes passed down and cooked with care. One slice feels like sitting down to dinner where everything is just right.

Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix gently just until combined — do not overmix.

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and caramelized on top.

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm — tender, savory, and pure Southern comfort.