Description
This classic Southern meatloaf features a savory tomato glaze and fresh green pepper, offering a comforting and flavorful family-friendly meal perfect for any chilly evening. It’s an easy-to-make dish that guarantees rave reviews.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent; or unsweetened plain almond milk for dairy-free option)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup ketchup (for the Tomato Glaze)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed (for the Tomato Glaze)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (for the Tomato Glaze)
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Finely chop the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 9×5 inches (23×13 cm), on a rimmed baking sheet or in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Initial Bake: Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350(degree)F (175(degree)C) for 40 minutes.
- Glaze and Finish: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the tomato glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160(degree)F (71(degree)C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For dairy-free, swap cow’s milk for unsweetened plain non-dairy milk. For lower-carb, substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breadcrumbs. Use 80/20 ground beef and a meat thermometer to prevent dry meatloaf; avoid overbaking. A small splash of broth in the pan can help keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: southern meatloaf, tomato glaze, green pepper, family dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, beef, baked