It looks like you’re starting a Southern Meatloaf recipe. Here’s a complete classic version based on your ingredients:
Southern Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Topping
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs (or crackers) and milk. Let sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Add ground beef, eggs, onion, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Mix gently until combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking tray.
- Mix topping ingredients and spread over the top.
- Bake for about 55–75 minutes, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Southern-style tips
- Crushed saltine crackers are a traditional Southern substitute for breadcrumbs.
- A little milk keeps the loaf tender.
- Leftover slices make excellent sandwiches the next day.
You can also add a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce to the meat mixture for a sweeter Southern flavour.
