Classic Homestyle Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Classic Homestyle Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy

Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Classic Homestyle Meatloaf smothered in rich, savory brown gravy is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy, hearty, and hits all the right flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering. Let’s dive in!

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Oh, meatloaf. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite old sweater—comforting, reliable, and impossible not to love. Growing up, meatloaf nights were proof that my family was about to sit down to something special. And now, I’m here to bring you the ultimate version of this timeless comfort dish: a Classic Homestyle Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy. This meatloaf isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about taking a humble classic and amplifying it with flavors so rich and hearty, you just might find yourself sneaking seconds (or thirds!).

Classic Homestyle Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy Recipe

What makes this meatloaf extra special, you ask? It’s all about balance. We’re using a mix of ground beef and pork to keep it moist, and there’s just the right touch of breadcrumbs to hold it all together without making it dense. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a kick of umami, while sautéed onions and garlic bring in those rich, aromatic flavors. And don’t even get me started on the gravy. That thick, savory brown gravy poured over the slices of meatloaf is truly the star here—it’s like the buttery, flavorful bow on this gift of a dish. Every bite feels like a celebration of taste.

Now, let’s talk tips. First, don’t overmix your meatloaf; a gentle hand is key to keeping it tender. If you want to take it up a notch, try shaping the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan—this allows the edges to crisp up beautifully. And that gravy? Oh, friend, make extra. Trust me, you’ll want to pour it over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or honestly, just about anything. One little trick I love is adding a smidgen of Dijon mustard to the gravy for an extra dimension of flavor. It’s these small details that make this dish unforgettable.

So go ahead, give it a try! Picture it: slices of juicy meatloaf draped with warm brown gravy, alongside some creamy mashed potatoes and green beans, or maybe roasted carrots for a little sweetness. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight, but it’s also a showstopper when you’ve got family or friends coming over. And don’t be afraid to make it your own—maybe add a pinch of paprika, or try a different herb in the mix. Whatever variation you choose, this homestyle meatloaf is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

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Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

60 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 cups beef broth (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

  4. 4

    Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared loaf pan or shape it directly onto a baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  6. 6

    While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

  7. 7

    Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  8. 8

    Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.

  9. 9

    Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  10. 10

    Serve sliced meatloaf with the savory brown gravy drizzled on top.

Nutrition Information

Calories

410 calories per serving

Protein

28g

Carbs

20g

Fat

24g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute the ground pork with another type of meat?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even more ground beef. However, keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken will result in a slightly leaner and less rich meatloaf. If using leaner meats, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to maintain moisture.

Q: What can I use as a replacement for breadcrumbs?

A: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even panko breadcrumbs. For gluten-free options, almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers work well as substitutes.

Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when slicing?

A: To prevent the meatloaf from falling apart, make sure to mix the ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make the texture crumbly. Additionally, allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and the loaf to firm up.

Q: Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time and reheat it?

A: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the meatloaf, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

Q: How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner if needed?

A: If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and whisk it into the simmering gravy. To thin out gravy that’s too thick, simply whisk in a little more beef broth or water until the desired consistency is achieved.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf for extra flavor?

A: Yes, you can add finely chopped or grated vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture. Make sure to sauté them along with the onions and garlic to soften them and enhance their flavor. This is a great way to add some extra nutrition to the dish.

Q: What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave until heated through.

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