Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Recipe: Homemade Comfort Joy

Crafting a hearty classic meatloaf with brown gravy brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Generations have savored this timeless dish for its rich, satisfying flavors.

Nostalgic aromas fill the kitchen as ground beef mingles with herbs and spices.

Home cooks appreciate its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Tender meat combined with a silky, robust gravy creates a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pantry staples transform into a delectable centerpiece that sparks conversation and memories.

What Makes Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy A Comfort Food Staple

• Comfort Cooking Delight: Classic meatloaf brings nostalgic warmth to your dinner table, offering a hearty meal that reminds you of home-cooked goodness.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe a go-to solution for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
• Versatile Dinner Champion: Perfectly adaptable for different sides and occasions, from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ground meat and pantry staples, this meatloaf delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients For Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the foundation of the classic meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps maintain moisture in the meatloaf.

• Eggs: Work as a natural binder to help hold the meatloaf together.
• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Create a tender texture and prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dense.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a savory and aromatic base that deepens the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex depth to the meatloaf.

• Beef Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the brown gravy.
• Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a roux for the gravy.

How To Prepare Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen Oven

Fire up your kitchen oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Make sure the oven rack is positioned right in the center for even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in your ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions, garlic, and seasonings. Use your hands or a sturdy mixing tool to blend everything together until the ingredients are perfectly combined and look uniform.

Step 3: Shape the Savory Loaf

Transfer the mixed ingredients onto a baking pan and gently shape them into a classic rectangular loaf measuring about 8 by 4 inches. Use your hands to smooth out the surface and create a compact, even shape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking pan into the preheated oven and let the meatloaf cook for approximately one hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

Step 5: Rest and Settle

Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf take a short break for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Step 6: Serve with Delicious Gravy

Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and generously drizzle with rich brown gravy. Enjoy this classic comfort meal with your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips For Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• Bread Crumb Texture Trick: Use fresh breadcrumbs for a lighter, more tender meatloaf that doesn't become dense or heavy.
• Perfect Meat Mixing Method: Gently mix ingredients with your hands to prevent overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and compact.
• Temperature Check Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches exactly 160F for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Moisture Preservation Tip: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Lean Meat Balance: Mix ground beef with a small percentage of ground pork or veal to add extra moisture and prevent a dry final dish.

Variations To Customize Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, and black beans, binding with breadcrumbs and eggs for protein-packed alternative.
• Turkey Meatloaf Lite: Swap beef for lean ground turkey, reducing fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version with tangy undertones.

Pairing Suggestions For Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• Pair Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes complement the hearty texture of meatloaf, creating a classic comfort food combination that soaks up the rich brown gravy perfectly.
• Recommend Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which cuts through the meatloaf's richness and enhances its savory flavor profile with its bold undertones.
• Serve Roasted Green Vegetables: Crisp roasted broccoli or green beans add a fresh, light contrast to the dense meatloaf, providing a nutritious and colorful side that balances the meal's heaviness.

Storage Advice For Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Add a splash of gravy to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil.

FAQs About Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

• What kind of meat works best for this meatloaf?

Ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the most flavor and moisture, ensuring a juicy meatloaf that isn’t too dry or greasy.

• Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crackers?

Yes, breadcrumbs are a perfect substitute. Use the same measurement as crushed crackers to maintain the right texture and binding for the meatloaf.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160F (70C) to ensure the meat is safely cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting classic meatloaf with brown gravy brings hearty home-style memories to dinner tables across America. Savory ground beef blended with herbs and topped with rich gravy creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground sirloin

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning

Liquid Flavor:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and seasonings, thoroughly integrating all components until uniformly blended.
2. Transfer the amalgamated mixture onto a lined baking sheet, carefully molding it into a compact, symmetrical rectangular form with gentle, even pressure.
3. Position the unbaked loaf centrally within a preheated 350F (175C) oven, ensuring balanced heat circulation.
4. Monitor the cooking process for approximately 60 minutes, verifying doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (70C) using a meat thermometer.
5. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to recuperate for 10 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and stabilize the structural integrity.
6. Craft a complementary brown gravy by whisking pan drippings with flour and broth until achieving a smooth, rich consistency.
7. Slice the rested meatloaf into uniform portions and lavishly drape with the prepared warm gravy before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter texture.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf; overmixing can make the meat compact and dry.
• Add moisture-rich ingredients like grated onions or soaked breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg