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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil, then lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine diced onions, bell peppers, egg, drained tomatoes, oats, salt, and pepper, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture using hands, ensuring gentle mixing to maintain a tender texture and avoid compacting the meat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
- 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