Paula Deen’s meatloaf recipe is the epitome of Southern comfort—a tender, juicy loaf of perfectly seasoned beef topped with a tangy tomato glaze. This isn’t your average meatloaf; it’s hearty, flavorful, and full of home-cooked goodness. I first tried this recipe for a Sunday family dinner, and it immediately became a favorite. The secret lies in the blend of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, all bound together with milk-soaked breadcrumbs for extra tenderness. The simple ketchup and mustard glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and zing. I once swapped in barbecue sauce for the topping, and it turned out amazing—smoky and rich. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this classic meatloaf will fill your kitchen with warmth and your plate with pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Paula Deen’s meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the kind of old-fashioned dish that never goes out of style. The texture is moist without being greasy, and the tangy glaze takes it to the next level. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or even leftovers the next day in a sandwich. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
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Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe – Classic, Moist, and Full of Southern Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Paula Deen’s Meatloaf is a Southern-style comfort classic made with juicy ground beef, savory seasonings, and a sweet-and-tangy ketchup glaze — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 8 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, onion, bell pepper, egg, diced tomatoes (with juice), and oats. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for an even juicier meatloaf.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a classic gravy for a full Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (80/20 blend) – Provides richness and juiciness to the loaf.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatloaf while keeping it light and tender.
Milk – Softens the breadcrumbs and adds moisture.
Eggs – Hold everything together and give the meatloaf structure.
Onion (finely chopped) – Adds flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Green bell pepper (finely chopped) – A Paula Deen signature ingredient that gives a subtle Southern flair.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the savory flavor.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth and enhances the meaty taste.
Ketchup – Used both in the mixture and as the base of the glaze.
Mustard and brown sugar – Combine with ketchup to create the classic tangy-sweet glaze.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, green bell pepper, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of ketchup. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon—don’t overwork it, or the meatloaf will be dense.
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Smooth the top evenly. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to create the glaze. Spread it evenly over the top of the loaf.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a true Southern meal.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze the meatloaf (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Meatloaf – Replace ketchup with smoky barbecue sauce for a bold twist.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf – Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the center before baking.
Spicy Meatloaf – Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Turkey Meatloaf – Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf – Wrap the loaf with bacon strips before baking for extra flavor and crispiness.
Veggie-Loaded Version – Add finely chopped carrots or celery for more texture and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
FAQs
What makes Paula Deen’s meatloaf different?
The combination of bell pepper, onion, and a sweet-tangy glaze gives it a distinctive Southern touch.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add a little extra milk or oil to keep it moist.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Overbaking or using very lean beef can cause dryness. Stick with 80/20 ground beef for best results.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I prevent the loaf from falling apart?
Make sure to include enough binding ingredients—eggs and breadcrumbs are key.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes.
Should I cover the meatloaf while baking?
No, leave it uncovered so the glaze can caramelize beautifully.
Can I freeze uncooked meatloaf?
Yes, shape it and freeze it raw. Thaw overnight before baking.
How can I add more flavor?
Try adding a bit of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to the mix.
What side dishes go best with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or buttery corn make perfect sides.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s meatloaf recipe is a comforting, down-home classic that never disappoints. With its juicy interior, rich flavors, and sweet-tangy glaze, it’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. Whether served for a family gathering or a cozy weekday meal, this recipe captures everything that makes Southern cooking so beloved—simplicity, heartiness, and flavor. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular part of your recipe collection.