Discover the comforting taste of the South with this Homestyle Southern Meatloaf with Vegetables—a savory and satisfying recipe passed down through generations. Packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition, this meatloaf brings together seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing leftovers for the week, this dish delivers a classic Southern charm that’s both wholesome and delicious. It’s easy to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Let this meatloaf be the centerpiece of your next home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Set it aside to allow the meat to reach room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions, green bell pepper, celery, garlic, and grated carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- To the bowl of ground beef, add the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Press gently to form a loaf that holds together but is not compacted too tightly.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. For extra flavor, you can mix the ketchup with a bit of brown sugar and mustard to create a Southern-style glaze.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to firm up.
- Slice into thick pieces and serve with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a true Southern-style meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy the flavors of a home-cooked Southern tradition.