IslandVibeCooking

Southern-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients:
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 1 pack Recipe secret (onion flavor)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Glaze:
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Meatloaf:
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, bell pepper, garlic, crackers, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup.
• Add the smoked paprika, chicken bouillon onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, secret recipe.
• Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon—don’t overwork the meat!
3. Shape & Bake:
• Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on a baking sheet.
• Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
• In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, bbq sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Glaze & Finish Baking:
• Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F).
6. Rest & Serve:
• Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal!