Southern Style Meatloaf

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Heat bacon drippings in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, increase heat to medium high and cook vegetables, stirring regularly, until lightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Add garlic, cook another minute; set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

Meanwhile, place ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle salt, pepper, Creole/Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, basil and dry mustard over meat. Add ketchup and Worcestershire.

Step 4

Dip bread into the milk, squeeze and smash up. Reserve milk but remove the bread and add to meat.

Step 5

Add eggs to milk and beat together. Add the cooled, sauteed vegetables to the meat. Use a wooden spoon to turn and gently mix the meat but do not compact. Add milk mixture to moisten the meatloaf as needed.

Step 6

Transfer meat to pan or tray and gently press together to shape into loaf. Do not over compact.

Step 7

Combine glaze ingredients and spoon over the top of the loaf.

Step 8

Bake for about an hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, carefully pouring off fat occasionally if using a regular baking pan.

Step 9

Total cooking time will vary depending on how your oven cooks and how thick you shape the loaf.