Best 7 Carolina Meatloaf Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Carolina Meatloaf: A Southern Classic with a Twist**

In the realm of Southern comfort food, the Carolina Meatloaf reigns supreme, tantalizing taste buds with its rich, savory flavors and a hint of unexpected sweetness. This culinary gem is a perfect blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, expertly seasoned with a harmonious blend of spices that create a symphony of flavors in every bite. The addition of brown sugar, a staple ingredient in Southern cooking, imparts a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the savory meat mixture. This recipe also introduces a unique twist by incorporating grape jelly, a secret ingredient that adds a touch of tangy sweetness and a luscious glaze to the meatloaf. Accompanying the Carolina Meatloaf are three delectable recipes that elevate the dining experience: tangy sweet and sour sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and Southern-style green beans. These accompaniments perfectly harmonize with the meatloaf, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

MEAT LOAF



Meat Loaf image

Nothing says classic comfort like Ina Garten's Meatloaf recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.

CAROLINA MEATLOAF



Carolina meatloaf image

This turns out good every time I make it. I usually separate this into 2 pans, make one and freeze one.

Provided by Betty Wood

Categories     Meatloafs

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large egg, beaten
3 lb ground beef
1 c whole milk
1 c plain bread crumbs
1 c tomato sauce
1 small bell pepper, chopped fine
1 small sweet onion, chopped fine
1 celery rib, chopped fine
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp regular mustard
1 Tbsp brown sugar, light
1 c ketchup

Steps:

  • 1. In large bowl mix, egg, sauce, milk, onion, pepper, celery,bread crumbs, salt and pepper together. Crumble ground beef into this. Shape this into 2 (two) loaves. Place these into a 9x13 inch pan. Or can freeze one at this point.
  • 2. Bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven during last ten minutes of baking. Whisk ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar together, Pour over meatloaf, and return to oven for remaining 10 minutes.
  • 3. Allow to cool slightly and will slice better. Great for cold meatloaf sandwiches.

CARROT MEAT LOAF



Carrot Meat Loaf image

We love to take slices of this tasty loaf to the field during harvest season---I either bake it or cook it up quickly in the microwave---it's a real blessing during our busiest time of year.-Irene Knodel, Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
1 envelope (1 ounce) onion soup mix
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 cups shredded carrots
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
GLAZE:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Combine eggs, milk, soup mix, bread crumbs and carrots. Add beef and pork; mix well. Shape mixture into a circle with a 9-in. diameter; form a 3-in. hole in the center of the circle. Place in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Drain. , Combine glaze ingredients; spread over meat. Bake 10 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. , MICROWAVE METHOD: Prepare and shape loaf as above. Place on a microwave-proof platter. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave on high for 16-18 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°, giving the dish a quarter turn every 3 minutes. Drain. Let stand 5 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a custard cup, combine glaze ingredients. Spread half the glaze over meat loaf. Return to microwave on medium for 1 minute; remove. Cover remaining glaze with waxed paper and heat in microwave on medium for 1 minute. Serve glaze in center of meat loaf.

Nutrition Facts :

VEGETABLE MEAT LOAF



Vegetable Meat Loaf image

I'm not big on leftovers, so I've pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you eat your veggies. It's great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. -Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound ground beef
1 slice bread, torn into small pieces
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash each pepper and garlic powder
5 tablespoons chili sauce or ketchup, divided

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread, egg, carrot, onion, green pepper, celery, seasonings and 2 tablespoons chili sauce., Form into a loaf in an ungreased 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pan. Spoon remaining chili sauce over loaf. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 163mg cholesterol, Sodium 1349mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

SOUTHERN-STYLE MEAT LOAF



Southern-Style Meat Loaf image

When my husband and I moved down South, we discovered our love for pimiento cheese! It adds southern flair to this meat loaf recipe. My husband loves his cheese, so he likes to add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeno on top for an added kick. -Patricia Getson, Wilmington, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
1/3 cup crushed saltines (about 10 crackers)
1/3 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 10 crackers)
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 carton (12 ounces) refrigerated pimiento cheese
Hot mashed red potatoes
Optional: shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeno pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Add carrots and garlic; cook and stir until tender, 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add eggs, crackers and seasonings. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly, Shape into an 8x4-in. loaf in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 15-20 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into slices; spread with pimento cheese. Serve with potatoes and if desired, shredded cheese and jalapeno.

Nutrition Facts :

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
½ onion, coarsely chopped
½ red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 ½ pounds ground chuck
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
hot pepper sauce to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
  • Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
  • Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork: This will give the meatloaf a richer flavor and a more tender texture.
  • Add some vegetables to the meatloaf: This will help to bulk it up and add some nutrients. Some good options include onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really makes the meatloaf special. A good option is a tomato-based sauce with a little bit of brown sugar and chili powder.
  • Cook the meatloaf at a low temperature: This will help to prevent it from drying out. A good rule of thumb is to cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour per pound.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing it: This will help to keep the juices in the meatloaf and prevent it from falling apart.

Conclusion:

Carolina meatloaf is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its combination of ground beef and ground pork, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, it is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Related Topics