Southern Meatloaf with Brown is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, it’s topped with a rich brown gravy that makes each bite a treat. This hearty Southern meatloaf recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a Sunday supper. Let’s dive into the details of this classic comfort food meatloaf dish that has been loved for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Meatloaf with Brown
This Southern-style meatloaf is not just any meatloaf; it’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and satisfies the soul. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- **Rich flavor:** The combination of beef and pork brings a depth of taste.
- **Perfectly moist:** With key ingredients like milk and eggs, the meatloaf remains tender and juicy.
- **Easy to prepare:** This recipe requires minimal effort and is perfect for busy weeknights.
- **Versatile:** Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides.
- **Comfort food:** It embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, making it a family favorite.
- **Customizable:** Add your favorite spices or sauces for a personal touch.
When you want to enjoy a comforting meal, this classic meatloaf with brown gravy is the answer, showcasing the heart of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients for Southern Meatloaf with Brown
Gather these items:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for gravy)
- 0.25 cup ketchup (for optional glaze)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
How to Make Southern Meatloaf with Brown Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
- Step 3: Form into a loaf and place in the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Step 4: Optional: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Spread over loaf halfway through baking for a glaze.
- Step 5: While baking, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and simmer until thickened.
- Step 6: Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes after baking. Slice and pour warm brown gravy over top before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Meatloaf with Brown
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like turkey or chicken.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain moisture.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Meatloaf with Brown
This classic meatloaf topped with brown sauce is best enjoyed with a side of:
- Mashed potatoes, which complement the rich gravy.
- Steamed green beans for a fresh crunch.
- Homemade cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Meatloaf with Brown
To store, wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the refrigerator. You can reheat the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you have comforting food ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Meatloaf with Brown
What’s the secret to perfect Southern Meatloaf with Brown?
The secret lies in the blend of meats and the moisture from milk and eggs, which create a tender texture. Season well for enhanced flavor!
Can I make Southern Meatloaf with Brown ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Meatloaf with Brown?
Be careful not to overmix the meat; this can make the loaf tough. Also, ensure it’s fully cooked but not dried out by checking the internal temperature.
Variations of Southern Meatloaf with Brown You Can Try
For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider these variations:
- **Meatloaf with onion soup:** For added flavor, mix in onion soup mix.
- **Meatloaf with brown sugar glaze:** Enhance the sweetness by adding more brown sugar to the glaze.
- **Southern comfort meatloaf:** Spice it up with jalapeños or barbecue sauce for a Southern kick.
- **Meatloaf with rich brown gravy:** Serve with a thicker, homemade gravy for a hearty meal.
With these ideas, you can keep delighting your family with different versions of this classic comfort food!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making creamy potato soup as a comforting side dish.
For more tips on cooking meatloaf, you can visit this guide for additional insights.
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Delicious Southern Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This hearty Southern Meatloaf is made with ground beef and pork, topped with rich brown gravy. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and flavor — ideal for Sunday supper or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for gravy)
- 0.25 cup ketchup (for optional glaze)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
- Form into a loaf and place in the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Optional: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Spread over loaf halfway through baking for a glaze.
- While baking, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and simmer until thickened.
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes after baking. Slice and pour warm brown gravy over top before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Southern Meatloaf, Meatloaf, Comfort Food, Dinner








