Easy Meatloaf with Gravy
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love making this Easy Meatloaf with Gravy because it's not only comforting but also incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a few pantry staples comes together in a way that's perfect for weeknight dinners. The savory gravy adds the finishing touch, making it a family favorite at the dinner table. I appreciate how quickly it cooks, allowing us to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
When I first made this Easy Meatloaf with Gravy, I was pleasantly surprised by how juicy and flavorful it turned out. I used a combination of ground beef and pork, which gave it a rich taste that I absolutely loved. One key tip I discovered was to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld and makes slicing so much easier!
The gravy is a game-changer—simple yet elevates the dish to comfort food level! I recommend preparing it in the same pan to absorb all those delicious drippings. Trust me, this is a meal that always gets rave reviews!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners
- Flavor-packed gravy that enhances the meatloaf
- Easily adaptable with your favorite spices and ingredients
Understanding the Meatloaf Base
The combination of ground beef and ground pork creates a juicy and flavorful meatloaf. The beef provides a rich umami taste, while the pork adds moisture. If you're looking for a leaner option, you can substitute the pork with ground turkey or chicken. However, be aware that this may result in a drier texture, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk or ketchup to retain juiciness.
Breadcrumbs are crucial for binding the meatloaf, absorbing moisture and flavor. For a healthier option, use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For added flavor, stale bread can be soaked in milk and then mashed for a heartier texture. Remember, the mixing process should be gentle; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf, rather than a light and airy one.
Making the Gravy Perfect
The gravy is an essential component that brings the meatloaf to the next level, infusing each bite with moisture and flavor. Using beef broth gives a deeper taste, but you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version. If you want a touch of sweetness, maple syrup can be added to the gravy mix for a unique twist.
A little cornstarch can be used to thicken the gravy, but be cautious with the ratio—start with a teaspoon mixed with water and gradually increase until you reach desired consistency. Stir continuously during heating to avoid lumps. The gravy should be glossy and slightly thick, adhering to the meatloaf without being overly viscous.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Gravy
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have everything ready before moving to the next step!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your meatloaf and gravy:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the meatloaf cooks evenly.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
Shape and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
Prepare the Gravy
While the meatloaf bakes, combine ketchup, beef broth, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring. If you desire a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the saucepan, stirring continuously until thickened.
Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices drizzled with gravy.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Meatloaf with Gravy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add some garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture. Leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meatloaf experience, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. The rich gravy pairs beautifully, creating a comforting meal. I also enjoy adding a side of green beans or a fresh garden salad for a touch of color and nutrition. The contrast of the hot meatloaf with a cool salad adds an extra element to your dining experience.
For a casual twist, consider serving meatloaf on a toasted bun with a dollop of gravy, effectively turning it into a hearty sandwich. Pair this with sweet potato fries or a side of coleslaw for a fun family meal that’s both filling and delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This meatloaf is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This not only cuts down on dinner prep time but also allows the flavors to meld overnight, enhancing the taste.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Cut into slices before freezing to make reheating easier. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, you can use only ground beef, but the combination with pork adds extra flavor and moisture.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
→ What should I serve with meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Easy Meatloaf with Gravy
I love making this Easy Meatloaf with Gravy because it's not only comforting but also incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a few pantry staples comes together in a way that's perfect for weeknight dinners. The savory gravy adds the finishing touch, making it a family favorite at the dinner table. I appreciate how quickly it cooks, allowing us to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Gravy
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the meatloaf cooks evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
While the meatloaf bakes, combine ketchup, beef broth, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring. If you desire a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the saucepan, stirring continuously until thickened.
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices drizzled with gravy.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add some garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture. Leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g