Savory Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe with Rich Comfort

Paula Deen meatloaf embodies Southern comfort food at its finest, transforming humble ingredients into a sizzling sensation.

Packed with robust flavors and heartwarming memories, this dish transcends ordinary meal preparation.

Ground beef mingles with aromatic seasonings, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Families have cherished this recipe for generations, passing down its delectable secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Simple yet sophisticated, the meatloaf promises a culinary experience that warms both stomach and soul.

Each slice tells a story of tradition, love, and unparalleled home cooking.

Comfort never tasted so good – you’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

How to Present Paula Deen Meatloaf

• Pair with Hearty Sides: Complement the rich meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh flavor and elegant touch to the classic dish.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the savory meat flavors and create a restaurant-worthy dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into delicious sandwiches the next day, using crusty bread and a dollop of extra sauce for a quick and tasty lunch option.

Store and Reheat Paula Deen’s Meatloaf

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover meatloaf to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for 3-4 months, providing quick future meals.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick reheating, but may reduce moisture.
• Portion and Prep Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight cooking faster and more convenient for busy families.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Paula Deen’s Meatloaf Recipe

• Ground Beef: Select 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciest texture and rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs to control saltiness and enhance meat binding.
• Milk: Use whole milk for added moisture and tenderness in meatloaf.

• Eggs: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs for better mixture consistency.

• Onion, Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for fresh yellow onion and freshly ground black pepper for robust taste.
• Ketchup: Select thick, rich tomato ketchup for balanced sweetness and tanginess.

• Brown Sugar: Choose dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use unfiltered, organic vinegar for complex flavor profile.

Tools You Need for Making Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meatloaf ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or hands: Great for mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• 9×5 inch loaf pan: Ideal size for creating a classic meatloaf shape.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Small saucepan: Needed for creating the delicious ketchup-based sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients seamlessly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Meat thermometer: Confirms meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions and slicing the final meatloaf.

Step-by-Step Paula Deen Meatloaf Instructions

• Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and give a quick spray of nonstick magic to your loaf pan. This prevents any sticky situations.

• Create the Meaty Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and dive in with your hands. Blend ground beef with soft breadcrumbs, creamy milk, whisked eggs, tangy ketchup, and finely chopped onions. Sprinkle in salt and pepper for a flavor explosion. Mix everything until just combined – no need to overwork the meat.

• Shape and Sauce It Up

Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, crafting a beautiful uniform loaf. In a separate pan, whip up a zingy sauce by combining ketchup, sweet brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble and simmer for a few minutes to develop rich flavors.

• Bake and Glaze

Drizzle half the sauce over the meatloaf before sliding it into the hot oven. After 30 minutes, pull it out, drain any extra grease, and coat with the remaining sauce. Continue baking for about 45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

• Rest and Enjoy

Let the meatloaf take a little break for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. Slice and serve up a comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips to Perfect Paula Deen’s Meatloaf

• Customize the Meat Base: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a blend of meats for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Boost Veggie Content: Grate carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture to increase vegetable intake and add moisture to the meatloaf.
• Create Cheese Surprise: Stuff the center with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a melty, unexpected twist that delights dinner guests.
• Experiment with Glaze Options: Replace the classic ketchup-based sauce with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha glaze to transform the traditional recipe into something more adventurous.

Savory Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s hearty meatloaf blends ground beef, onions, and classic seasonings into a comforting Southern classic. Home cooks can easily create this satisfying main dish with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) hamburger, lean
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (120 g) bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps (30 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and coat a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, creating a perfect cooking surface.
2. Mixing: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings in a large bowl, blending gently to maintain a light, tender texture without compressing the mixture.
3. Shaping: Form the meat mixture into a consistent, compact loaf, ensuring even thickness and smooth edges before transferring to the prepared baking pan.
4. Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, merge sauce ingredients over medium heat, stirring until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
5. Initial Glazing: Lavish half the sauce across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a flavorful initial coating before the first baking phase.
6. First Bake: Position the meatloaf in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes, allowing initial flavor development and partial cooking.
7. Final Glazing and Baking: Remove from oven, drain excess fat, and generously apply remaining sauce. Return to oven and continue baking for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining optimal moisture. Slice and serve warm, offering additional sauce on the side for those desiring extra flavor.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose a blend of ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal moisture and rich flavor without excessive greasiness.
• Mixing Technique: Gently combine ingredients using fingertips or fork to prevent compacting meat, which keeps the texture light and tender.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce until slightly thickened to enhance coating and prevent watery texture on meatloaf surface.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf every time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg