If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meatloaf recipe, you can’t go wrong with Paula Deen’s classic version. Known for her Southern cooking style, Paula Deen’s meatloaf is a hearty dish that brings family and friends together. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this beloved recipe in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Paula Deen’s meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients: 2 pounds of ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork), 1 cup of finely chopped onions, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 eggs, 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned), 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and for the glaze: 3/4 cup of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. These simple ingredients come together to create a savory dish that’s packed with flavor.
Preparing the Meat Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or pork with the chopped onions. Next, add in the milk and eggs—mix these wet ingredients evenly throughout the meat. Then incorporate the breadcrumbs along with salt and pepper. It’s best to use your hands for mixing; just be sure not to overwork it as this can make your meatloaf tough.
Shaping Your Meatloaf
Once your mixture is well combined, transfer it onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. If you prefer that classic meatloaf shape, form it into an oval loaf on parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure that it’s not too thick; about two inches high is ideal so that it cooks evenly throughout without drying out.
Creating Paula Deen’s Signature Glaze
For that extra touch of flavor on top of your meatloaf, mix together ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this glaze generously over your shaped meatloaf before placing it in the oven—this will caramelize beautifully during cooking and add sweetness against the savory flavors.
Baking Your Meatloaf
Now it’s time to bake. Place your prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven and allow it to cook for approximately one hour or until its internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (70°C). Once done baking, let it rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the loaf making each bite moist and flavorful.
Paula Deen’s classic meatloaf is perfect served alongside mashed potatoes or green beans for a traditional meal everyone will love. Give this recipe a try at home; it’s simple enough for any home cook yet impressive enough to serve guests at dinner parties.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
