Ingredients
Scale
For the Glaze:
- 19 oz can of tomato basil soup, divided (such as Progresso)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 medium diced sweet onion
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color: red, green, or yellow), finely diced
- A drizzle of olive oil for sautéing
- 2 pounds (900 g) lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Coles Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground
Instructions
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup of tomato basil soup, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Set it aside—it’ll be the crowning glory of your meatloaf.
- Prep the veggies: Dice the onion and bell pepper finely. Sauté them in a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat until softened and fragrant, about three minutes. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Let the veggies cool slightly before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Combine the meat mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup of tomato basil soup, buttermilk, beaten eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Toss in the cooled onions and peppers. Use your hands to gently combine everything—it’s the best way to ensure even mixing without overworking the meat.
- Shape the loaf: Form the mixture into a rough loaf shape in the bowl, then transfer it onto your prepared baking sheet. Pat it into an oblong loaf about 2 1/2 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
- Add the glaze: Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake and finish: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 55 minutes. Remove it from the oven, pour the remaining glaze over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the juices run clear. Let it rest on the counter for 15 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy and easier to cut.
Notes
Serve this meatloaf with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. For a pop of color, garnish the meatloaf slices with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner