In our household, Southern Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy brings a wave of nostalgia with each bite. Passed down from my grandmother, this recipe is a tribute to the heartwarming meals we gathered around on chilly nights. Combining simple, hearty ingredients with a touch of love, this dish encapsulates the essence of traditional Midwestern comfort food. It’s perfect for family dinners, evoking memories of generations past while creating new ones.
Southern Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and green beans, seasoned with a bit of bacon for that extra flavor. Don’t forget a piece of warm cornbread on the side to soak up any extra gravy! For a fresh touch, a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the meatloaf beautifully.
Southern Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to form the tomato gravy.
Pour half of the tomato gravy over the meatloaf, reserving the other half for later.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the reserved tomato gravy over the top.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the meatloaf mixture for a cheesy surprise. You can also swap the ground beef for a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well too. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the tomato gravy. And don’t forget, leftovers make for fantastic meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
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