Paula Deen’s Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food takes center stage with this classic Paula Deen meatloaf recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this hearty dish for its rich, savory flavors.

The blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and signature seasonings creates a mouthwatering main course.

Tender and juicy, this meatloaf melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

A perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness with this irresistible meatloaf.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Meatloaf Worth Trying

• Meatloaf brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with its classic, hearty flavors that everyone loves.
• Mix ingredients in one bowl, shape the loaf, and pop it in the oven – minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness for busy home cooks.
• Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your family's taste preferences while maintaining the recipe's core simplicity.
• Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a filling, satisfying dinner that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Everything You’ll Need For Paula Deen’s Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the core of this hearty meatloaf.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Oats: Provides texture and helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the mixture.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Offer a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking.

• Cooking Spray, Foil: Help with easy preparation and prevent sticking during baking.

How To Make Paula Deen’s Meatloaf At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F.

Grab a baking tray and drape it with aluminum foil.

Give the foil a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper
• Egg
• Drained tomatoes
• Oats
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir the ingredients until they’re dancing together in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Introduce the Beef

Gently fold the ground beef into the mixture.

Use your hands to blend everything, but be careful not to overwork the meat – you want it tender, not tough.

Step 4: Sculpt Your Masterpiece

Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Shape it into a gorgeous loaf, smoothing the surface with a light touch.

Don’t pack it down too hard – we want it fluffy.

Step 5: Whip Up the Magical Topping

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this sweet and tangy mixture over the loaf, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and let it bake for a full hour.

Use a meat thermometer to check – you’re aiming for 160°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Relax

After baking, give the meatloaf a 10-minute breather before slicing.

This helps lock in all those delicious juices and keeps the loaf looking gorgeous when you cut into it.

Helpful Tips For Paula Deen’s Famous Meatloaf

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance flavor and prevent excessive grease in your meatloaf.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and light.
• Drain canned tomatoes completely to prevent soggy meatloaf and maintain perfect consistency.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Allow meatloaf to rest exactly 10 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Best Way To Keep Paula Deen’s Meatloaf Fresh

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F throughout.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Favorite Pairings For Paula Deen’s Meatloaf

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Elevate Paula Deen's Meatloaf
• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to match the rich, savory meat flavors. The wine's bold tannins will cut through the meatloaf's richness and enhance its depth.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip up smooth, buttery potatoes as the perfect side dish. Their silky texture and mild flavor provide a delightful contrast to the meaty, tangy meatloaf.
• Roast Colorful Vegetable Medley: Toss carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips with olive oil and herbs. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a vibrant, nutritious complement to the main dish.
• Add Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a crisp, zesty coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing. Its bright, crunchy texture and acidic notes will balance the meatloaf's hearty, rich profile and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Twists On Paula Deen’s Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that still delivers rich flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute oats with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils mixed with mushrooms to create a hearty meatless loaf that mimics the original recipe's texture and taste.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace oats with almond flour, use low-carb ketchup, and choose a sugar substitute in the topping to make this meatloaf compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Why use oats in this meatloaf recipe?

Oats help bind the ingredients together and add moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional breadcrumbs and provide a subtle texture.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures the meat is safely cooked through and prevents any potential foodborne illnesses.

• Is it necessary to let the meatloaf rest after cooking?

Absolutely. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more tender and easier to slice without falling apart.

Paula Deens Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s hearty meatloaf delivers Southern comfort with robust ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze that promises pure satisfaction. Generous portions and simple preparation make this classic dish a winning centerpiece for family dinners you’ll eagerly anticipate.

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Ingredients

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Meat Base:

• 1 pound ground beef

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 1 (8-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained of juice
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

Glaze:

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil, then lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine diced onions, bell peppers, egg, drained tomatoes, oats, salt, and pepper, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture using hands, ensuring gentle mixing to maintain a tender texture and avoid compacting the meat.
4. Carefully transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a uniform loaf with a smooth surface, taking care not to compress the mixture too densely.
5. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl, then generously spread the mixture over the entire surface of the meat loaf.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures clean, intact slices when serving.

Notes

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Mix in grated carrots or zucchini to boost vegetable content and add moisture to the meatloaf.
• Use gluten-free oats if preparing for someone with gluten sensitivity, ensuring the recipe remains inclusive and adaptable.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for extra depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg