Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Meatloaf Copycat Recipe

Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Meatloaf is a comforting Southern-style family recipe featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, onion, and a sweet-and-tangy tomato sauce. This classic meatloaf is baked until tender and finished with a flavorful glaze that makes it a perfect choice for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or a nostalgic homemade meal.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This meatloaf is simple, hearty, and full of familiar comfort-food flavors. The fresh breadcrumbs help create a tender texture, while the tomato sauce topping adds a sweet, tangy finish. It’s an affordable family meal that also makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches, lunches, or quick dinners.

What Is the Dish?

Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food that developed from older European traditions of combining ground meat with fillers and seasonings to create a satisfying, economical meal. In the United States, meatloaf became especially popular during the 20th century as home cooks used ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and vegetables to stretch meat and create a flavorful family dinner.

Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Meatloaf reflects the kind of Southern home cooking often associated with family gatherings and traditional Sunday meals. The recipe’s sweet-and-tangy tomato topping is a hallmark of many Southern meatloaf versions, balancing the richness of the beef with acidity and sweetness. Fun fact: meatloaf became a beloved American staple partly because it was adaptable—families often created their own versions using whatever ingredients were available, which is why countless regional variations exist today.

Cooking Tips

• Mix the meat gently to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
• Fresh breadcrumbs help keep the texture moist and tender.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds its shape.
• Baste with the tomato sauce during baking for extra flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be slightly lighter.

Why Does Meatloaf Need Breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and create a softer, more tender texture.

Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

What Can I Serve With Tennessee Meatloaf?

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or a simple salad.

Can I Make Mini Meatloaves?

Yes. Divide the mixture into smaller portions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to Store

Store leftover Tennessee meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra tomato sauce if desired to keep the meatloaf moist.

How to Freeze

Freeze cooked meatloaf slices or the whole loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 + ½ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tangy Tomato Sauce

• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup water
• 3 tbsps vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tbsps prepared mustard

How to Make Dolly Parton's Tennessee Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and half of the first can of tomato sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into a compact loaf and place it in a shallow baking dish or 9×5-inch loaf pan.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, the second can of tomato sauce, water, vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
5. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce and juices over the top.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra sauce over each serving.