Paula Deen's Meatloaf
A classic comfort dish that brings joy to any dinner table, this meatloaf is easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a family.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 can (8 oz) diced tomatoes without juice
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with foil and lightly greasing it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, oats, and the beaten egg until well mixed.
- Gently fold in the ground beef until combined, but do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking tray.
Topping and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread this topping evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for about one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat when combining it with other ingredients; this keeps the meatloaf tender. Experiment with adding different spices like garlic powder or Italian seasonings for added flavor. For a bit more moisture, you can add a splash of milk or broth to the mixture. If you don’t have quick-cooking oats, regular oats can work as a substitute, although the texture may change slightly. You can also make this meatloaf gluten-free by using gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs.