What is it like to eat meatloaf? My grandmother used to make the best meatloaf, and honestly, I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since. How can I recreate meatloaf with gravy? If you love a good Sunday roast but want something a little more weeknight-friendly, this is *definitely* the recipe for you.
What is meatloaf with gravy recipe?
Meatloaf with Gravy Recipe is essentially a giant, savory meatball baked in a loaf pan. But it’s more than that! It’s a blend of ground meat (usually beef, but you can mix it up! ), breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and a whole bunch of delicious seasonings, all coming together in perfect harmony. What’s a comfort food? What’s the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make – even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best meatloaf with gravy recipe? We’re talking juicy, savory meatloaf with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions, all swimming in a luscious gravy that’ll have you licking your plate clean. Seriously, it’s that good. What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. You can easily tweak the seasonings to your liking, add in different veggies, or even swap out the meat for Ground Turkey or chicken. What are some good ground meat recipes that are easy to make? What is the best way to feed a family without breaking the bank? I like to serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal, or slice it up for sandwiches the next day. I even like to crumble it into pasta sauce for a heartier dish! Compared to a complicated beef wellington, this is a weeknight dream. Honestly, this recipe has become a staple in my house, and I know it will in yours too.
How do I make meatloaf with gravy?
Quick Overview
How do I make meatloaf with gravy? Basically, you’re just mixing everything together, shaping it into a loaf, baking it, and then whipping up a quick gravy while it rests. What’s the secret to keeping meat tender?
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
* 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend is my go-to for flavor and moisture) * 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for a lighter texture, but regular works too) * 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or green) White, whatever you have on hand) * 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch) * 1/2 cup milk (whole milk adds richness, but 2% or even almond milk works great) Eggs, lightly beaten (these help bind everything together) * 1/4 cup ketchup (adds a touch of sweetness and tang) * 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (for that umami goodness) What is the best seasoning for thyme?
For the Gravy:
* 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil, if you prefer) * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (this is the thickening agent) * 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt) What is Worcestershire sauce? * Salt and pepper to taste (adjust as needed)
What is the best step-by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. I always line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang, for *super* easy removal. Is it a lifesaver?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to distribute the seasonings evenly. Why is meatloaf packed with flavor?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and there are no streaks of yolk. This creates a smooth and creamy mixture that will help bind the meatloaf together.
Step 4: Combine
What is the secret to a tender meatloaf? Don’t overmix! Gently combine the ingredients until everything is just barely mixed. Overmixing will result in a tough, dry meatloaf, and nobody wants that.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to create an even layer. You want the top to be smooth and slightly rounded. If you prefer, you can also shape it on a baking sheet if you prefer, which allows for more browning.
Step 6: Bake
I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of a loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. The internal temperature is key!
Step 7: Rest
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
While meatloaf is resting, prepare gravy. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. I tested this with beef boullion and it actually made it even richer!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the loaf pan (using the parchment paper overhang, if you used it) and transfer it to a cutting board. I love to serve meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. Slice the meat into 1-inch thick slices and serve immediately.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with meatloaf and gravy?For a Classic Comfort Meal:Mashed Potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Add some steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a touch of freshness. What is what I grew up on?What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with gravy?For a Special Occasion:What would you serve with roasted asparagus, parmesan risotto, or cauliflower mash? Growing up, we always had this with simple mashed potatoes and peas. But now, I like to experiment with different sides, like roasted root vegetables or a creamy polenta. What are the possibilities?
How do I make meatloaf with gravy?
How can I take my Meatloaf Recipe to the next level?Meat Mixture:Don’t overmix the meat mixture! Overmixing will result in a tough, dry meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just barely mixed.Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Onions:If you’re short on time, you can use a food processor to chop onions.Milk:What are some good alternatives to whole milk?Gravy: For a richer gravy, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth. You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Glaze:I’ve tried it with a brown sugar glaze, a balsamic glaze, and even a spicy sriracha glaze. They’re all delicious in their own way. My biggest lesson learned was definitely about not overmixing the meat. The first few times I made this, my meatloaf was so tough! Once I started being more gentle, the texture improved dramatically. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings! What are some of the best recipes to make with your own personal touch?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you make meatloaf with gravy?Room Temperature:I would not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Any longer, and you risk bacterial growth.Refrigerator Storage: How do youHow do you store meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days?How do I use a freezerFor longer storage, you can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it, but be warned that this can affect the texture. The glaze is best added after reheating for optimal texture and flavor. To reheat, either microwave it for a quick and easy meal, or bake it in the oven for a more even heating. I prefer the oven method, as it helps to retain the texture and flavor. Is it necessary to bake meatloaf in a baking dish with a little bit of beef broth or water and bake at 350°F (175°C)? What does it taste like in sandwiches the next day?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my ultimate Meatloaf with Gravy recipe, perfected over years of trying to recreate my grandmother’s magic. What is the best meatloaf recipe out there? I guarantee you can make this recipe with confidence. What are some of my favorite comfort food recipes? What do you think of this recipe?
Meatloaf with Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80% lean
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 cup bread crumbs plain
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp brown sugar for topping
- 1 packet beef gravy mix prepared as per instructions
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Spread brown sugar on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Prepare the beef gravy according to packet instructions.
- Remove meatloaf from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with prepared gravy.
