Gather ’round, my hungry humans, because I’m about to unveil the meatloaf of your dreams! This isn’t your average ho-hum meatloaf – no, this bad boy is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. So, let’s put on our aprons, crank up the tunes, and get ready to turn our kitchens into comedy clubs. 🎶🤩 (Let’s be real, we’re not cooking today – we’re performing! 🎭)
Why You’ll Love This meatloaf with gravy
Hold onto your spatulas, folks, because this meatloaf is about to blow your mind. 🤯 It’s packed with juicy, tender beef that’s been lovingly seasoned to perfection, then smothered in a silky, savory gravy that’ll make you want to lick the plate clean. (Don’t worry, I won’t judge — I’ve been there, done that. 😉)
The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary prowess. 👩🍳 And if you’re curious about what makes a truly next-level gravy, this guide to making rich, flavorful gravy from Serious Eats is a great read.
Just don’t be surprised if they start asking you to cater their next event. Hey, I’m not saying you should quit your day job, but… 💼
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. You’re going to need the usual suspects – ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a few seasonings to make this meatloaf sing. 🎶 But hold onto your whisks, because I’m about to throw in a few surprises that’ll take this dish to the next level. 🤫 (Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 😋)
- 1 1/2 lbs — ground beef
- 1 cup — plain breadcrumbs
- 2 — eggs
- 1/2 cup — diced onion
- 2 cloves — minced garlic
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Ground beef → ground turkey or pork (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Breadcrumbs → gluten-free breadcrumbs (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make meatloaf with gravy (Step-by-Step)
Okay, now it’s time to get our hands dirty! 💪 First, we’ll start by prepping all our ingredients. (I know, I know, it’s the boring part, but trust me, it’s worth it. 😉) Once everything’s chopped, diced, and measured, it’s time to mix it all together and create the meatloaf of your dreams. 🎨 Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Astrid, I’m no artist!” 🎨 Well, my friend, that’s where the fun begins. 🤩 Grab those hands, get a little messy, and let’s turn this into a true culinary masterpiece. 🎨🤌
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat that oven, my friends, because we’re about to get this party started! 🎉 First, gather all your ingredients and give them a good ol’ chop-chop. (You know, the kind where you channel your inner ninja and pretend the veggies are your arch-nemesis. 🥷) Once everything’s prepped and ready to go, it’s time to mix it all together. 🤝 Grab a big ol’ bowl and get those hands dirty – we’re about to create something truly magical. 🪄
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Alright, now that we’ve got the ingredients all mixed and ready to go, it’s time to shape this baby into the meatloaf of our dreams. 🤩 Grab a loaf pan, give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray, and start shaping that meat mixture into the perfect form. 🧹 (Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you do a little dance while you’re at it – I’m known to bust a move or two in the kitchen myself. 💃)
Step 3: Gravy Time
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the gravy! 🤤 Grab a saucepan and let’s get to work. 👩🍳 Melt that butter, whisk in some flour, and slowly pour in the beef broth. 🥣 Keep stirring until it’s nice and thick, then season it up with a little salt and pepper. (And maybe a pinch of garlic powder, because who doesn’t love a little extra zing? 🧄) Finally, it’s time to smother our meatloaf in this glorious gravy. 🥣 Drizzle it on, let it seep in, and get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience. 🤩
Step 4: Baking Time
Alright, folks, we’re almost there! 🙌 Now it’s time to pop this bad boy in the oven and let the magic happen. 🔥 While it’s baking, why don’t you go ahead and set the table? Light a few candles, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to impress your guests. 🍷 (Or, you know, just treat yourself to a cozy night in with a fork and a napkin. 😉)
How to Know It’s Done (No Guessing)
Okay, now it’s time to talk about the most important part – how to tell when this meatloaf is perfectly cooked. 🔍 First, you’ll want to keep an eye on the color. When it’s a beautiful golden brown, you know you’re on the right track. 🟠 And don’t forget about that tempting aroma – when the kitchen starts smelling like a savory heaven, you know it’s time to grab a fork. 🤤 But the real test? Give it a gentle poke. If it’s firm to the touch, with just a little bit of give, you’ve nailed it, my friend. 👌
Look for
- A beautiful golden-brown color
- A mouthwatering savory aroma
- Firm but slightly yielding texture
Avoid
- Dry, crumbly meatloaf
- Overly browned or burnt exterior
If it’s too… here’s the fix
- Too salty — Whip up a quick gravy with extra broth or milk to balance it out.
- Too dry — Add some warm beef broth or gravy to moisten it up.
Optional temp note (only if it makes sense): Not needed here — visual cues are enough.
What to Do If It Goes Wrong (Fix-It Guide)
Uh-oh, looks like someone’s meatloaf has a case of the “not-so-greats.” 😬 No need to worry, my friends, I’ve got your back.
- Too salty — Whip up a quick gravy with extra broth or milk to balance it out.
- Too dry — Add some warm beef broth or gravy to moisten it up.
- Too runny — Just let it bake a little longer, uncovered, and that gravy will thicken up in no time.
- Not browning — Try brushing the top with a little tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce.
Good news: almost everything is fixable. Panic is optional. 😌
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Mix-ins — Add spicy Italian sausage, zesty chorizo, or finely chopped veggies for extra flavor. ✅
- Topping ideas — Try a tangy glaze or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. ✅
- Gravy variations — Switch it up with a creamy mushroom or rich onion gravy. 🎉
- Get creative — Shape it into loaves, muffins, or mini meatballs for fun presentation. 🚀
Warning: This may cause sudden happiness and suspicious silence at the dinner table. Proceed responsibly. 😅
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best serving ideas | Serve this meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete comfort food feast. 🍽️ |
| Fridge storage | Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 🧊 |
| Freezer storage | Feeling extra? Make a double batch and freeze the second meatloaf for a quick and easy meal down the road. 📆 Just let it thaw in the fridge before reheating. |
| Reheating | When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply pop the meatloaf back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual slices in the microwave. 📚 |
Nutrition Notes
Alright, let’s be real – this meatloaf isn’t exactly a health food. 😅 But you know what they say, “everything in moderation!” 🤷♀️ Each slice packs a hearty serving of protein, thanks to the ground beef, and the gravy adds a creamy, comforting touch. 🥣 Just be sure to pair it with some fresh veggies or a light salad to balance it all out. 🥗 And hey, if you really want to get fancy, you can even use lean ground turkey or swap in some whole wheat breadcrumbs. 🦃 But let’s be honest, the real secret to this dish is the love and laughter we pour into it. 💖
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
MEATLOAF WITH GRAVY RECIPE 🥔
This classic meatloaf is packed with flavor and topped with a savory gravy. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings!
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 eggs
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Gravy:
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix well.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, whisk together beef broth and flour over medium heat until smooth.
6. Add ketchup and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the gravy on top.
Notes
For a twist, you can add diced bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture.
Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Seasonal & Party Feasts 🎉
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, dinner
Quick Questions People Always Ask
Absolutely! This meatloaf recipe is super versatile. You can swap in ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of meats for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
If you’re looking for a super juicy meatloaf, try adding a little milk or beef broth to the mixture before baking. You can also top it with a glaze or sauce to keep it nice and moist.
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the meatloaf, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Or, you can bake it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
For a clean, professional-looking slice, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking. Then, use a sharp knife and slice it directly down the middle.
You bet! Cooked meatloaf freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.