Aunt Libby's Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf is perfect for a family dinner. With a delicious, savory sauce and a tender, flavorful interior, its sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoons salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper

For the sauce:

• 1 cups ketchup
• cup water
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, 1 cup of ketchup, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it into shape to form a loaf.
4. For the sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1 cups of ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and warm.
5. Pour one-third of the sauce over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 hours, basting with the remaining sauce every 25 minutes. The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160F (70C).
7. Allow the meatloaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooks Notes

If necessary, use two loaf pans to make the meatloaf fit comfortably. For a smaller family, you can adjust the recipe to use 1.3 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef and reduce the other ingredients accordingly.

While you can substitute ground turkey, the recipe works best with a fattier beef (80% lean) to get the full flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 534
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 48g
• Protein: 31g
• Sodium: 2215mg
• Cholesterol: 153mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Iron: 5mg
• Vitamin C: 17mg
• Calcium: 77mg
• Potassium: 687mg

Description: Perfectly moist meatloaf topped with a homemade barbeque sauce is Southern-inspired meatloaf that has been passed down through the generations. This hearty dish brings a touch of Southern comfort food to your table, with a rich blend of beef, breadcrumbs, and a tangy-sweet sauce.

Origin and History

Meatloaf, as a dish, has deep roots in American cuisine, though its origins can be traced back to ancient European cooking traditions. In the United States, it became a popular comfort food in the 19th century, especially in working-class households. The use of ground meat, such as beef or pork, combined with breadcrumbs or other fillers, was an economical way to stretch meat and feed large families. This recipe, Aunt Libby's Southern Meatloaf, is a perfect example of how the dish has evolved in the Southern United States, where barbeque flavors and a touch of sweetness are prominent in many dishes.

Regional Features

The Southern United States is known for its rich culinary traditions, and meatloaf is no exception. While meatloaf is popular across the U.S., the Southern version often features a sweeter, tangier glaze made from ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Aunt Libby's recipe stands out with a homemade barbeque sauce that adds a distinctive flavor profilesomething that sets Southern meatloaf apart from the more traditional, savory versions found in other regions. The use of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs also gives it a slightly herbed edge, a unique twist not always found in other variations.

What Makes It Different from Other Meatloafs?

Compared to other regional variations, what makes Aunt Libby's Southern Meatloaf stand out is the flavor of the glaze. Most meatloaf recipes use a simple ketchup topping, but this recipes combination of ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the meat without overpowering it. Additionally, the use of ground beef with a higher fat content (80% lean) helps ensure the loaf is moist and tender, something that is key in Southern comfort food. Unlike the dense, compact meatloafs of the North, Southern meatloafs are often lighter and more flavorful, with a delightful balance of savory and sweet.

Where is it Typically Served?

Southern meatloaf, such as Aunt Libby's recipe, is typically served in family-style meals and gatherings. Its a beloved dish for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or any occasion where hearty, satisfying food is needed. This dish is perfect when paired with traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. The meatloaf itself is a comforting centerpiece, and the sauce makes it ideal for serving with crusty bread or over rice. In the Southern United States, youll often find meatloaf served as part of a larger spread for family gatherings or potlucks.

Interesting Facts About Southern Meatloaf

• Family Tradition: Many Southern families, like Aunt Libbys, pass down their own special meatloaf recipes from generation to generation. These recipes often evolve over time, incorporating new ingredients or adapting to family preferences.
• Comfort Food: Meatloaf is considered the epitome of comfort food in the U.S., with roots deeply embedded in working-class history. Its a dish that evokes nostalgia and a sense of home.
• Versatility: Meatloaf is highly versatile. While Aunt Libbys recipe uses ground beef, its common for Southern cooks to experiment with different types of meat, such as ground pork, turkey, or even a blend of meats.
• Popular Leftovers: One of the best things about meatloaf is that the leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day. The flavors meld even more, and many people enjoy meatloaf sandwiches as a next-day treat.

Conclusion

Aunt Libbys Southern Meatloaf is not just a recipe; its a legacy of Southern cooking passed down through the years. The combination of a savory beef mixture, sweet and tangy homemade sauce, and regional seasonings make this dish a true standout. Whether its a family dinner or a holiday feast, this meatloaf will undoubtedly add comfort and joy to any meal. So, the next time youre craving something hearty and satisfying, consider making this Southern classicyou wont regret it!

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