Easy Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe for the Perfect Family Dinner

Paula Deen’s meatloaf represents the quintessential comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Home cooks appreciate its robust flavor and straightforward preparation method.

Hearty and nostalgic, this classic dish brings families together around the dinner table.

The combination of ground meat, seasonings, and binding ingredients creates a perfectly balanced texture every time.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen during preparation, promising a delightful dining experience.

Subtle nuances in the recipe elevate this traditional meal from simple sustenance to a memorable gastronomic journey.

Generations have savored this timeless recipe, making it a reliable standby for weeknight dinners or special gatherings: Get ready to impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Meatloaf Worth Repeating

• Savor Classic Comfort: This Paula Deen meatloaf delivers nostalgic home-style flavors that remind you of warm family dinners with its rich, hearty blend of ground meat and tangy sauce.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: The recipe offers an incredibly simple preparation method that requires minimal kitchen skills, letting even beginner cooks create a delicious meal in just over an hour with straightforward mixing and baking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Explosion: Each slice promises a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, with the homemade sauce adding a delectable moisture and flavor punch that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal Solution: This meatloaf works brilliantly for multiple occasions – from weeknight family dinners to potluck gatherings – providing a protein-packed main course that's both budget-friendly and universally appealing.

Meatloaf Ingredients Inspired by Paula’s Pantry

• Ground Beef: Lean meat with good fat content for juicy meatloaf, preferably 80/20 ground chuck for best flavor.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and moisture to the meatloaf texture.

• Eggs: Helps bind the meat together and adds structure to the meatloaf.
• Milk: Creates a softer, more tender meatloaf texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and keeps the meatloaf from becoming too dense.

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base flavor to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: Adds depth and sharp, pungent taste to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall meat flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami complexity to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, White Vinegar: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.

Cooking the Meatloaf Everyone Will Love

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• 2 eggs
• Ketchup
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

Use your hands or a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 4: Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape into a uniform loaf, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Create Sauce

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Initial Sauce Layer

Spread half of the prepared sauce over the top of the meatloaf before baking.

Step 7: First Baking Phase

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Final Baking Phase

Remove the meatloaf from the oven, drain any excess grease. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.

Meatloaf Tips to Make It Extra Juicy

• Massage Meat Gently: Use fingertips to blend ingredients softly, avoiding tough compression that destroys meat's tender texture.
• Cool Before Slicing: Let meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes after removing from oven, allowing juices to redistribute and preventing crumbly cuts.
• Prevent Greasy Surface: Drain excess fat by placing meatloaf on a wire rack inside the baking sheet, letting fat drip away during cooking.
• Select Lean Ground Beef: Choose 85% lean meat to maintain moisture without overwhelming greasiness, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Customize Glaze Boldly: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and shine to the classic meatloaf.

Store This Meatloaf Without Drying It Out

• Cool Down: Let meatloaf reach room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. Condensation destroys texture and can make your meal soggy.
• Vacuum Sealing: Invest in a vacuum sealer for maximum freshness and protection against freezer burn. This method removes air completely, preserving flavor and preventing potential ice crystals from damaging the meat's structure.
• Container Selection: Choose glass or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids for optimal storage. Glass maintains temperature better and doesn't absorb odors like some plastic containers might, ensuring your meatloaf stays delicious and clean.

Spin the Classic: Meatloaf Variations to Try

• Hearty Herb Fusion: Elevate the classic meatloaf by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley to the meat mixture for an aromatic and flavorful upgrade.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a splash of chipotle sauce into the meat blend to create a bold, zesty version that brings heat and excitement to the dinner table.
• Cheesy Center Surprise: Stuff the center of the meatloaf with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese before forming the loaf, creating a melty, gooey core that bursts with flavor when sliced.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to transform the traditional recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired dish that transports your taste buds.

A Look Back at Paula’s Comfort Classic

Paula Deen’s Meatloaf Recipe promises a culinary journey through Southern comfort.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Classic recipes like this connect generations, offering more than just sustenance.

Home kitchens will come alive with the rich aroma of this traditional dish.

Comfort and nostalgia blend seamlessly in each carefully crafted slice.

Such classic recipes invite you to savor, share, comment, and spread the delicious love – because great meals are meant to be celebrated together.

Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s classic meatloaf delivers Southern comfort with a hearty blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Rich flavors mingle in this homestyle dish that brings warmth to family dinner tables across America.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean hamburger

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (120 grams) bread crumbs

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) tomato paste

Glaze:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly coat a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine all ground meat ingredients, ensuring even distribution of breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings.
3. Carefully blend the ingredients using clean hands or a sturdy wooden spoon, being cautious not to overmix which can result in a dense texture.
4. Shape the meat mixture into a uniform loaf, maintaining consistent thickness throughout, and transfer to the prepared baking pan.
5. For the complementary sauce, pour all sauce ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until it reaches a rolling boil.
6. Reduce sauce heat and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, developing rich flavors and achieving a slightly thickened consistency.
7. Generously spread half of the prepared sauce across the top of the uncooked meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, allowing initial cooking and flavor development.
9. Remove from oven, drain any excess fat, and apply the remaining sauce evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf.
10. Continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
11. Once cooked, remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist final result.
12. Slice into desired portions and serve warm with additional sauce if preferred.

Notes

• Get hands messy and mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
• Gentle mixing prevents tough, dry texture by avoiding excessive compression of ground meat proteins.
• Use fingertips to lightly combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated, maintaining a tender meatloaf consistency.
• Cold hands work best for mixing, as warm hands can start breaking down meat proteins prematurely.
• Stop mixing the moment ingredients look evenly distributed to keep the final dish moist and delicate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg