Name: NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 pounds Ground beef, at least 80%/20%; 1 whole Onion, diced; 1/2 Green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup Mild salsa, Pace picante is best; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large Egg; 1 1/2 cups Bread crumbs, plain; 1 packet Onion soup mix; 2 tablespoons Seasoning salt; 1/2 tablespoon Garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon Onion powder; 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 tablespoon Black pepper; 8 ounce can Tomato sauce; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder

Take me to the Recipe

NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf with a Special Ingredient has a plethora of herbs and spices that create a moist, tender meatloaf!

Meatloaf may sound basic, but NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf with a Special Ingredient is an elevated spin on this classic dish. Want to make it a complete meal? Consider adding Cornbread Muffins and Southern Greens for a dinner that will satisfy the whole family.

This meatloaf recipe comes straight out of my mother "in love's," aka: NaNa's kitchen. Having made this for practically a lifetime, it is a fact that the recipe has been tried and tested!

This recipe is perfect and gets devoured every time. It’s guaranteed to please a large family or scale it down for a smaller, personal-sized meatloaf.

Overhead view of NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf

Gathering the Ingredients for NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf with a Special Ingredient

You'll need the following ingredients for your Meatloaf:

Ground beef: 80% lean, 20% fat blend is the best meat to help retain moisture in the meatloaf.
Diced onions
Salsa: Our special ingredient!
Worcestershire sauce
Bell Peppers, diced
Bread crumbs: Plain bread crumbs are best.
Large egg
Onion soup mix
Assorted Seasonings: The list in the below recipe may seem like a lot, but the end flavor is AMAZING. Please adjust according to your taste buds and preferences!

You'll need the following ingredients for your Glaze:

Tomato Sauce
Brown Sugar
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder

Why use the salsa?

Since the salsa has a high acidity, it really helps with keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. Even more, the salsa adds such an amazing flavor profile. Some meatloaf calls for diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, but instead we use the salsa. So no matter what, do not omit the this ingredient!

Making NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf with a Special Ingredient

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Then spray a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, add ground beef, diced onions and bell peppers, salsa, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and bread crumbs. The salsa adds moisture to the meatloaf and also a hint of spice. We don't do bland or dry in this household!

Next, add all of the seasonings into the bowl. Using gloved hands, combine all ingredients by mixing. Alternatively, you can use a large spoon to mix. Turn over repeatedly until all ingredients are incorporated into the meat. Whichever method you use, try not to overwork the meat mixture.

Place the meat mixture into the pre-greased baking dish. Then form it into a loaf shape by working it with your hands.

plated NaNa's Juicy Homestyle Meatloaf with a Special Ingredient with sides of greens, cornbread, and broccoli

Lightly tint the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Cook for one hour.

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by thoroughly combining the tomato sauce, brown sugar, garlic and onion powders in a medium-size bowl.

Remove the dish from the oven and drain the grease by very carefully pouring it out (careful not to let the meatloaf fall out), or use a turkey baster to remove the excess grease. Pour out as much as possible.

Spread the glaze over the entire top of the meatloaf. Place the meatloaf back in the oven, uncovered, then cook for an additional 30 minutes.

After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it set for at least 10 minutes untouched. This ensures that the meatloaf will hold its shape when you slice. Also, a lot of the grease will continue to seep out. Drain the grease again by gently pouring it out, or using a turkey baster.

What can I do to ensure my meatloaf doesn’t get dry in the oven?

Aside from using 80% 20% ground beef and not overworking the meat when mixing, I suggest sauteeing any veggies prior to adding them to the meatloaf. Sauté onions and peppers in butter or olive oil before mixing in order to release more of their moisture into the meatloaf.

Finally, slice and enjoy!

Why is my meatloaf undercooked in the center?

Ensure that your oven is set to 375 degrees. Cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil. The aluminum foil helps keep the heat even and trap in the moister If your food keeps burning on the outside but appears raw in the middle, your pan may be too hot. Turn the heat down to 350 degrees and cook your meat a bit longer.

Yield: 8-10 Servings