A Classic Southern Skillet Meat Loaf with Savory Tomato Sauce
Skillet Meat Loaf is a comforting Southern classic made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Unlike traditional oven-baked meatloaf, this version is cooked in a skillet, allowing the meat to brown while simmering in a rich tomato and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor and tenderness.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe showcases the Southern tradition of preparing hearty, economical meals with simple ingredients that bring families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 6 Tablespoons onion (chopped)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Serves: 4–6
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into two meat loaves.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meat loaves on both sides.
- Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce, water, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meat loaves.
- Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the meatloaf to cook through.
- Slice and serve with the skillet sauce spooned over each portion.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- Browning the meat first adds extra flavor before simmering.
- Worcestershire sauce gives the tomato gravy a rich, savory depth.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered green beans for a classic Southern meal.
- Leftovers make delicious sandwiches the next day.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
