I’ve made a lot of meatloaf in my time, but Brenda Gantt’s recipe? Oh, it’s something special. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and brings that good old-fashioned Southern comfort right to your table, like the Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppy. If you’re looking for a foolproof, family-approved meatloaf, this is it!
Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf is a classic Southern-style dish made with ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. It’s baked to perfection with a flavorful glaze on top, creating a juicy, tender meatloaf that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.
But what makes this meatloaf so darn good? Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step-including tips to get that perfect, moist texture every time!
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Taste Like?
Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf is pure Southern comfort on a plate! It’s juicy, tender, and packed with rich, savory flavors. The hamburger meat is seasoned just right, while the onions and bell peppers add a little sweetness and crunch.
Crushed crackers (or oatmeal) help bind everything together, making it hearty and filling. The tomato sauce on top creates a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Every bite is warm, comforting, and reminds you of a home-cooked meal made with love. Whether for lunch or dinner, this meatloaf is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef (regular or ground chuck)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 sleeve of crackers (or 1 cup of oatmeal for a gluten-free option)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (or use sweet peppers)
- 1 egg
- 1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce, divided
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✅ Mixing Bowl
✅ Knife & Cutting Board
✅ Measuring Cup
✅ Broiler Pan
✅ Oven
✅ Spoon or Spatula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Recipe for Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf at home
Step-01: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and bell pepper. Crack in the egg and mix everything together using your hands until well combined.
Step-02: Add Tomato Sauce
Pour about ⅓ of the can of tomato sauce into the meat mixture and mix it in. This keeps the meatloaf moist.
Step-03: Shape the Meatloaf
Lightly oil a broiler pan (the one that comes with your oven) and add a little water to the bottom tray to catch drippings. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the solid center section of the pan.
Step-04: Create a Sauce Valley
Use your thumbs to press a shallow valley down the center of the meatloaf. Pour the remaining tomato sauce into the valley for extra moisture and flavor.
Step-05: Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the meat is fully cooked and slightly browned on top.
Step-06: Let It Rest & Serve
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Check another recipe by Brenda Gantt called Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes & Brown Gravy
There’s nothing more comforting than meatloaf with a side of buttery mashed potatoes drizzled with rich brown gravy. It’s the perfect old-school combo!
2. Roasted Vegetables
A mix of roasted carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions adds a delicious contrast of flavors and textures to the savory meatloaf. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting.
3. Mac and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese side makes for an indulgent, Southern-style meal. The creaminess balances out the slightly tangy tomato topping of the meatloaf beautifully.
4. Crispy Garlic Green Beans
Sautéed or roasted green beans with garlic and butter add a fresh, slightly crispy side that complements the richness of the meatloaf. A squeeze of lemon juice makes it even better!
5. Buttered Corn on the Cob
A simple yet delicious pairing-sweet, juicy corn on the cob brushed with butter and a sprinkle of salt makes a great side for meatloaf. You can even char it on a grill for extra flavor!
6. Southern Collard Greens
For a true Southern-style meal, serve the meatloaf with slow-cooked collard greens flavored with bacon and a splash of vinegar. It’s a match made in heaven!
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
For a slightly healthier side, swap out regular mashed potatoes for baked sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
8. Homemade Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm, and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce from the meatloaf. They also make excellent mini meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
9. Southern-Style Coleslaw
A tangy, slightly sweet coleslaw with a creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty flavors of the dish. It’s also a great option if you want a lighter side.
10. Over Rice with Extra Tomato Sauce
For a simple but filling meal, serve slices of meatloaf over fluffy white rice and drizzle extra tomato sauce over the top. It soaks up all the flavors and makes for a hearty meal!
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe
1. Use Regular Hamburger Meat – Regular ground beef has more fat, making the meatloaf moist and flavorful. If using leaner meat, add a little extra tomato sauce for moisture.
2. Crush Crackers Easily – Instead of using a rolling pin, press the sleeve of crackers hard with your hands before opening it. This keeps the mess to a minimum!
3. Substitute If Needed – No crackers? Use oatmeal instead! About 1 cup of raw oats will do the trick.
4. Chop Peppers Efficiently – Stack the pepper strips together before cutting to save time and get uniform pieces.
5. Use a Broiler Pan – This helps drain excess grease away from the meatloaf, keeping it from getting too greasy while baking.
6. Create a Valley for Sauce – Press a shallow groove down the center of the meatloaf before baking and fill it with tomato sauce for extra flavor.
7. Let It Rest Before Slicing – After baking, let the meatloaf sit for 5-10 minutes so it holds its shape when sliced.
8. Don’t Overmix – Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
9. Make It Ahead – You can prep the meatloaf the night before and store it in the fridge, ready to bake the next day.
10. Get Creative with Add-Ins – Try adding shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, or even a little mustard for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Meatloaf Properly
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef regular or ground chuck
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 sleeve of crackers or 1 cup of oatmeal for a gluten-free option
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped (or use sweet peppers)
- 1 egg
- 1 can 28 oz tomato sauce, divided
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and bell pepper. Crack in the egg and mix everything together using your hands until well combined.
- Pour about ⅓ of the can of tomato sauce into the meat mixture and mix it in. This keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Lightly oil a broiler pan (the one that comes with your oven) and add a little water to the bottom tray to catch drippings. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the solid center section of the pan.
- Use your thumbs to press a shallow valley down the center of the meatloaf. Pour the remaining tomato sauce into the valley for extra moisture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the meat is fully cooked and slightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf that people often ask.
1. What does Gordon Ramsay put in his meatloaf?
Oh, Gordon Ramsay takes meatloaf up a notch! He usually mixes ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and garlic, then adds Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Sometimes, he sneaks in a little milk-soaked bread to keep it juicy. And let’s not forget his signature glaze-usually a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for that perfect tangy-sweet finish.
2. What recipes are in Brenda Gantt’s cookbook?
Brenda Gantt’s cookbooks are packed with good ol’ Southern comfort food. You’ll find classics like buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, collard greens, and, of course, meatloaf! Her recipes have that homemade touch, just like something grandma would make. If you love traditional, hearty meals with simple ingredients, her cookbook is a must-have.
3. What is the basic meatloaf formula?
The simplest meatloaf recipe follows this basic ratio:
1 pound of ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
1 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
1 egg for binding
½ cup of liquid (like milk, broth, or even ketchup)
Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce
Mix it all up, shape it into a loaf, and bake! The beauty of meatloaf is that you can tweak it however you like.
4. What are the main ingredients in meatloaf?
The key players are ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. You’ll also need something to keep it moist-milk, ketchup, or even grated veggies like carrots or zucchini work wonders. And let’s not forget the glaze! A sweet and tangy topping made from ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar takes it to the next level.
5. How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Ah, we’ve been there! The secret is using enough binders-eggs and breadcrumbs help hold everything together. Also, don’t overmix the meat, or it’ll get too crumbly. Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking also helps it firm up before slicing.
6. Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! We’ve swapped breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, cooked rice, or even almond flour. If you’re out of all those, grated potatoes work surprisingly well!
7. What’s the best way to keep meatloaf from drying out?
Nobody likes dry meatloaf! Adding a bit of milk, broth, or even grated veggies keeps it nice and moist. Also, don’t overbake-use a meat thermometer and pull it out once it hits 160°F (71°C).
8. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yep! You can mix everything up and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking. You can also freeze an unbaked meatloaf-just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
9. What’s the best meat blend for meatloaf?
We love using an 80/20 mix of ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. A mix of beef and pork adds extra richness, and some folks even throw in ground turkey for a leaner option.
10. What can I serve with meatloaf?
Oh, the possibilities! Mashed potatoes and gravy are a classic combo. Roasted veggies, green beans, or mac and cheese also pair perfectly. And if you’re feeling fancy, a side of garlic bread never hurts!
Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf is as Southern as it gets-simple ingredients, easy steps, and full of homestyle comfort. The best part? It’s a flexible recipe, so if you want to swap in different crackers, oats, or add extra seasonings, go for it!
Now, go on and give it a try-you won’t regret it!
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