Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If there’s one dish that checks every comfort food box, it’s classic meatloaf and when paired with savory brown gravy, it becomes unforgettable. This meatloaf with brown gravy recipe is juicy, flavorful, and layered with rich, hearty notes that warm the soul. It’s everything you want from a home-cooked meal, with a restaurant-worthy twist that’s perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight meals.
Pure Comfort
Think of this dish as your culinary hug at the end of a long day. Tender meatloaf made with seasoned ground beef and onions is topped with a velvety brown gravy that’s dripping with umami. The flavors are nostalgic and nurturing, reminding you of Sunday suppers and meals made with love. This is the kind of recipe that brings people together and gets requested over and over again.
Ingredients for Meatloaf with brown gravy
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
What You Need
You’ll need a mixing bowl, loaf pan, whisk, saucepan, and a sturdy baking sheet. For easy cleanup, line the loaf pan with parchment paper or foil. If you’re out of milk or need a substitute, check out this guide to milk substitutes in meatloaf for flexible alternatives.
Time to Cook Meatloaf with brown gravy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Steps to Make Meatloaf with brown gravy
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until combined overmixing can toughen the loaf. Press the mixture into a loaf pan and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.
While the meatloaf bakes, make the gravy. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden brown. Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Serve the gravy hot, ladled generously over thick meatloaf slices.
Make Meatloaf with brown gravy Perfect
Want to take your meatloaf to the next level? Sauté the onions before mixing them into the meat to deepen the flavor—a trick explained in this helpful onion prep guide. Also, resting the meatloaf after baking helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.
Mix Meatloaf with brown gravy Up
This recipe is flexible! You can swap in ground turkey or pork, or even mix proteins. For added depth, mix a packet of onion soup mix into your meatloaf base like in this Lipton onion soup meatloaf recipe. You can also stuff it with cheddar, jalapeños, or even take it spicy with inspiration from this jalapeño popper meatloaf.
Perfect Partners
Serve this dish with buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots. For a Southern twist, pair it with mac and cheese or buttery biscuits. Want a quick dinner side? Check out this stove top stuffing meatloaf for a shortcut version.
Busy Day Hero
The meat mixture can be prepped in the morning or even the night before. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge, then bake when you get home. You can even bake it in muffin tins for individual “meatloaf muffins” that cook faster and are perfect for portion control.
Work Ahead
To make this recipe freezer-friendly, form the meatloaf mixture, wrap it in plastic, and freeze raw for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. You can also freeze baked slices and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers are gold! Slice and reheat for lunch, or crumble the meatloaf into pasta, tacos, or a grain bowl. The gravy also keeps well in the fridge and can be reused over mashed potatoes or rice for another easy meal.
Everyone’s Happy
This meatloaf strikes the perfect balance of savory, moist, and satisfying. Even picky eaters will dig in, especially when you serve it with that rich brown gravy poured on top. It’s comfort food that wins over any crowd.
Good For You Too
Made with real ingredients and lean ground beef, this dish offers protein and comfort in one. To lighten it up, use low-sodium broth and leaner meat options. You can even sneak in finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Easy Clean Up
Line your loaf pan or use a silicone insert for mess-free baking. The gravy comes together in one pan and doesn’t require complicated cleanup. Leftovers are easy to store in airtight containers and reheat without much fuss.
Switch Meatloaf with brown gravy Up
Feeling creative? Add mushrooms to the gravy, try using red wine instead of broth for a richer sauce, or brush the loaf with a ketchup-mustard mix instead of traditional topping. If you want a twist, check out this easy glazed meatloaf for an alternative finishing touch.
Simply Perfect
There’s just something timeless about meatloaf with brown gravy. It’s classic, hearty, and cozy. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight dinner or a Sunday family gathering, it hits every note just right. The gravy ties it all together, making it a dish worth repeating again and again.
FAQs for Meatloaf with brown gravy
1. Can I use pre-made brown gravy?
Yes, store-bought gravy works in a pinch, but homemade has a richer flavor.
2. What kind of meat is best for meatloaf?
Ground beef (85/15) is ideal for moisture and flavor. You can also do a blend of beef and pork.
3. Can I add vegetables inside the meatloaf?
Absolutely. Try finely grated carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for texture and nutrition.
4. Why is my meatloaf dry?
You might be overcooking or using too lean of meat. Also, don’t skip the eggs or milk they keep things moist.
5. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
6. How do I know the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer 160°F is the magic number for safe and juicy meatloaf.
Conclusion for Meatloaf with brown gravy
If you’ve been craving something warm, nostalgic, and hearty, this meatloaf with brown gravy is your answer. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for leftovers, and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic or give it a twist, it’s a dish that never goes out of style and your family will thank you for it.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This meatloaf with brown gravy recipe is juicy, savory, and satisfying a comfort food classic perfect for any dinner table.
Ingredients
Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Onion
Garlic
Eggs
Milk
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Black pepper
Gravy Ingredients
Butter
Flour
Beef broth
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently, form into a loaf, and bake for 50–55 minutes. For the gravy, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add beef broth. Stir in seasonings and simmer until thickened. Serve gravy over sliced meatloaf.
Notes
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Add sautéed vegetables or herbs for extra flavor. Gravy can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Meatloaf with brown gravy, homemade meatloaf, brown gravy recipe, classic meatloaf