How To Make Southern meat loaf

Elevated Southern meatloaf recipe: A flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining savory ground meat with herbs, spices, and a tangy glaze that guarantees a light and moist end dish.

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with our elevated baked meatloaf recipe. This timeless classic gets a modern twist, Your favorite salsa is added to seasoned ground beef for a comforting holiday meat loaf or easy no fuss weeknight dinner. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this elevated Southern meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite at your table.

This meatloaf is moist on the inside and highly flavored with an amazing ketchup based glaze. The salsa is used in both the glaze and the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture. It not only tastes good, but looks jest as good.

Beats and Eats (Music to pair with meatloaf)

Prince's song "U Got the Look" pairs well with Southern meatloaf because both evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The upbeat rhythm and catchy melody of the song complement the hearty and satisfying flavors of the meatloaf, creating a delightful dining experience reminiscent of home-cooked meals and carefree moments.

Key Flavor Ingredients To Elevate MEATLOAF

• Ground Beef or Chuck - for more flavor and moisture I go with a high fat vs. lean ground beef
• Eggs - serve as a binding agent in meatloaf, helping to hold the ingredients together and giving the loaf structure. Additionally, eggs contribute to the moisture content of the meatloaf, resulting in a tender and cohesive texture when cooked.
• Onions - add flavor and moisture to meatloaf. When finely chopped and mixed into the meat mixture, onions release their natural juices during cooking, which helps keep the meatloaf moist. Additionally, onions impart a savory and sweet flavor to the meatloaf, enhancing its overall taste profile.
• Bread Crumbs - serve several purposes in meatloaf. They act as a filler, helping to stretch the meat mixture and make it more economical. Additionally, breadcrumbs absorb moisture during cooking, helping to keep the meatloaf moist and preventing it from becoming too dense. They provide structure to the meatloaf, helping it hold its shape while baking. Finally, breadcrumbs can add a subtle texture to the meatloaf, giving it a desirable consistency.
• Parsley - adds freshness and flavor to meatloaf. Its bright, herbal taste can help balance the richness of the meat and other ingredients in the loaf. Additionally, parsley adds a vibrant green color to the meatloaf, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Ketchup - adds both flavor and moisture to meatloaf. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste provides a contrast to the savory flavors of the meat and other seasonings. Additionally, ketchup contains vinegar, which helps tenderize the meat and keep it moist during cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce - adds complexity and depth of flavor to meatloaf. It imparts a savory, umami-rich taste with hints of sweetness and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.
• Red Salsa - flavorful way to keep meatloaf moist. It adds a burst of flavor and moisture to meatloaf. It brings a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile. Additionally, salsa contains ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, which infuse the meatloaf with vibrant flavors and aromas. The moisture from the salsa helps keep the meatloaf moist during cooking, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end result.
• Brown Sugar - adds sweetness and caramelization to meatloaf. When mixed into the meat mixture or used as a glaze on top of the meatloaf, brown sugar enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing out the savory and tangy elements. It also contributes to the development of a delicious crust on the exterior of the meatloaf during baking, adding texture and depth of flavor.

SOUTHERN MEATLOAF COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the meatloaf

Add the eggs to the ground beef and mix in. Then add spices, onions, parsley, bread crumbs, Worcestershire Sauce, and salsa.

Mix all the ingredients well then shape into your preferred mold. Use your hands or use a bowl to shape. Place molded meatloaf onto baking dish, baking sheet, or on a rimmed baking pan.

Mix all the ingredients well then shape into your preferred mold. Use your hands or use a bowl to shape. Place molded meatloaf into baking dish.

Make the glaze

Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and remaining salsa in a bowl. Apply the glaze on top of the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Place meatloaf on the middle rack uncovered and bake 30 minutes.

Remove the meatloaf. Turn oven to highest broil settings and place the rack on the top level. Add the meatloaf and broil 5-10 minutes until glaze caramelizes.

What To Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of comfort food side dishes. Here are a few options:

1. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty accompaniment to meatloaf, perfect for soaking up any savory gravy or sauce.
2. Green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a fresh and vibrant element to the plate, balancing the richness of the meatloaf.
3. Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower offer a flavorful and nutritious side that complements the meatloaf beautifully.
4. Macaroni and cheese: Creamy and indulgent macaroni and cheese pairs well with meatloaf, adding a comforting and cheesy component to the meal.
5. Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread alongside meatloaf for a classic Southern-inspired meal, perfect for soaking up any leftover juices or sauces.

COOKING CONSIDERATIONS

Southern meatloaf goes well with classic mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green beans.

Avoid lean ground meat. Lean meat equals dry meat loaf! Go for higher fat ground beef.

The wet ingredients (salsa, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce) play important roles. Besides flavor, they are essential moistening agents.

Dice the onions as evenly as possible so there is consistency in texture throughout the meatloaf.

For additional flavor saute your vegetables first.

Don't tightly pack your meatloaf into your baking dish. Make sure there is ample room around the meatloaf. If packed too tight the loaf will actually "steam" and thus rob you of both texture and flavor.

Make sure the meat has fully reached room temperature before cooking.

Choose your favorite salsa or hot sauce. I used a homemade Caribbean style hot sauce, but it packed some heat. A good tomato-based salsa works well. If you have one you really like then use it.

Southern meatloaf recipes typically call for diced bell peppers, but I chose to forgo them since the salsa I used had green chilis in it.

Don't overmix the meatloaf, or handle too heavy-handed. Doing so will disturb the texture and lead to a more rubbery loaf that is tough to chew.

Rest time is as essential as the actual cooking so don't be in too much of a rush to cut into the loaf.

To freeze the whole meatloaf and reserve for later consumption, wrap it tightly in a couple of layers of aluminum foil and then either place in a large freezer bag or use a vacuum sealer. To reheat let it thaw in the refrigerator over night then, sit out to achieve room temperature status, then slowly heat in the oven at around 275 degrees.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Ground meats: Instead of using all beef, you can mix ground beef with ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a lighter option.
2. Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to add depth of flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
3. Binders: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or cooked rice as binders. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
4. Glaze: While traditional meatloaf often features a ketchup-based glaze, you can try alternatives like barbecue sauce, mustard glaze, or a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
5. Add-ins: Customize your meatloaf by adding vegetables like diced onion, green bell pepper, orcarrots.
6. Shape and presentation: Instead of the classic loaf shape, consider forming individual meatloaf muffins or shaping the meat mixture into a meatloaf roll for a unique presentation.

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This elevated Southern meatloaf recipe brings a delightful fusion of flavors to the table. The addition of zesty salsa and aromatic spices elevates the classic dish, offering a tantalizing twist that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served to guests, this flavorful meatloaf is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

If you make this Southern meat loaf recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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