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Sliced meatloaf with brown gravy on a plate, garnished with herbs.

Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

This Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy combines tender ground beef with savory seasonings and is topped with a rich brown gravy, creating a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the meatloaf

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor) Choose 80/20 for moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the brown gravy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Mix until just combined.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.

Cooking the Meatloaf

  • Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Brush with ketchup during the last 15 minutes if desired.

Making the Gravy

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add onion powder and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Serving

  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, topped with brown gravy.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 beef for juiciness. You can add desired veggies or herbs to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Keyword brown gravy, Comfort Food, Family Recipe, hearty meal, Meatloaf