Best Southern-Style Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe 🍴 Easy, Juicy & Flavorful! 🥘

Table of Contents: Tennessee Meatloaf

Tennessee Meatloaf

Imagine a hearty, flavorful meatloaf that’s moist, tender, and topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. This Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe is the epitome of Southern comfort food, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even an easy weeknight meal. Packed with ground beef, pork, and veal, and seasoned with classic Southern flavors like Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce, this regional meatloaf recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is simple to make and delivers a taste of the South in every bite.

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Introduction: Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of Southern cooking like a classic Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe. This Southern Tennessee Meatloaf is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a labor of love, and a celebration of regional flavors. What sets it apart is its unique blend of ground meats, savory seasonings, and that irresistible brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, planning a cozy family dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy, this meatloaf has you covered. It’s versatile, forgiving, and loved by all ages. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the South to your table.

The magic of this regional meatloaf recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. From the aromatic sautéed onion and green bell pepper to the tangy Worcestershire sauce and spicy hot pepper sauce, every ingredient plays a role in creating a harmonious dish. And let’s not forget that glaze—a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar that transforms the meatloaf into a sweet and tangy masterpiece.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This dish is often referred to as Southern Tennessee Meatloaf or simply Regional Meatloaf Recipe. Some variations might include swapping the ground veal for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Others might add a splash of Jack Daniel’s whiskey to the glaze for a boozy twist.

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Ingredients: Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe

Brown Sugar Glaze:
– ½ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Meatloaf:
– Cooking spray
– 1 onion, chopped
– ½ green bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®)
– ½ cup milk
– ⅔ cup quick cooking oats
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ pound ground pork
– ½ pound ground veal

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Set aside to cool.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, thyme, seasoned salt, black pepper, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and milk. Stir well.

4. Add Oats & Veggies: Mix in the quick cooking oats and sautéed vegetables until evenly combined.

5. Incorporate Meats: Gently fold in the ground beef, pork, and veal, being careful not to overmix.

6. Shape & Glaze: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar for the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

7. Bake: Bake for 1 hour, then spread the remaining glaze on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Chef Tip: For a crusty exterior, shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan.

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Recipe Card Block

This Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour 15 minutes to cook, serving 4 people. Each slice contains approximately 450 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Southern Tennessee Meatloaf stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef, pork, and veal ensures moistness, while the oats act as a natural binder. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that’s irresistible.

Expert Tip: To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t skip the milk—it helps tenderize the meat.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

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People Also Ask: Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe

What makes Tennessee-style meatloaf unique?

Tennessee-style meatloaf is unique for its blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, which creates a rich and moist texture. The brown sugar glaze, with its sweet and tangy flavor, sets it apart from traditional meatloaf recipes.

Can you make Tennessee meatloaf with Jack Daniel’s glaze?

Absolutely! Adding a splash of Jack Daniel’s whiskey to the glaze enhances the flavor with a subtle smoky and boozy note. Simply mix it with the ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar.

What’s the secret to moist Tennessee meatloaf?

The secret lies in using a mix of ground meats and incorporating milk and oats into the mixture. These ingredients help retain moisture and create a tender texture.

What sides pair well with Tennessee meatloaf?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad complement this dish perfectly.

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Conclusion: Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe

This Tennessee Meatloaf Recipe is a true Southern gem that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your results—we’d love to hear how it turned out!

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