How to Make a Delicious Meatloaf with Gravy in 5 Easy Steps

Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Served with gravy and mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that warms the heart and soul. Making meatloaf may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, it’s an easy and satisfying meal to prepare. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a classic meatloaf with gravy – all in relaxed English.

First, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The key to a good meatloaf is using a blend of ground meats – beef, pork, and veal – for optimal flavor and texture. You’ll also need breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, herbs, and spices to give the meatloaf its delicious taste. For the gravy, you’ll need butter, flour, a flavorful broth or stock, and a few additional seasonings. With these ingredients in hand, let’s get started on making the perfect meatloaf with gravy!

Ingredients

To make a meatloaf with gravy, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the meatloaf, you’ll need:

1. 2 lbs. ground beef
2. 1 cup breadcrumbs
3. 2 eggs
4. 1/2 cup milk
5. 1/4 cup diced onion
6. 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 tsp. salt
9. 1/2 tsp. black pepper
10. 1/4 tsp. paprika

For the gravy, you’ll need:

1. 2 cups beef broth
2. 2 tbsp. butter
3. 2 tbsp. flour
4. 1/2 tsp. salt
5. 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Preparation

Here’s how to make your meatloaf with gravy:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well blended.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
5. While the meatloaf is cooking, you can prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk together until smooth.
7. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
9. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Once the meatloaf is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces and serving it with the gravy.

Variations

While the traditional meatloaf recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different ingredients to create variations that suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Mexican-style meatloaf:

Add some corn, black beans, and jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture, and top with salsa and shredded cheese.

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf:

Wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Mushroom gravy:

Substitute the beef broth in the gravy recipe with mushroom broth for a rich and earthy flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect meatloaf with gravy:

Use a meat thermometer:

To ensure that your meatloaf is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F.

Let it rest:

After baking your meatloaf, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices distribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Add some vegetables:

If you want to pack in some more nutrition, you can add some finely chopped vegetables to the meatloaf mixture. Carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms work well.

Make extra gravy:

Gravy is delicious on meatloaf, but it’s also great on mashed potatoes or rice. Make extra so you can enjoy it with other meals.

Conclusion

Preparing a meatloaf with gravy is an easy and comforting meal that is perfect for any day of the week. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying dinner that will please the whole family. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious a homemade meatloaf with gravy can be?

Ingredients You’ll Need for Making Meatloaf with Gravy

Making the perfect meatloaf with gravy takes some preparation, but the end result is worth the effort. You’ll need to gather some ingredients to make this delicious meal.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for your meatloaf:

1. Ground Beef

Choose one or two pounds of ground beef for your meatloaf recipe. Ground beef gives the meatloaf its classic taste and texture. Choose ground beef that’s lean but not too lean. 85% lean is perfect for a meatloaf.

2. Onion

One medium-sized onion is enough for your meatloaf recipe. Onion adds flavor and moisture to your meatloaf. You can chop the onion finely or coarsely, depending on your preference.

3. Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs add texture and bulk to your meatloaf. You can use dry or fresh bread crumbs, depending on what you have on hand. Two cups of bread crumbs are enough for a two-pound meatloaf.

4. Egg

An egg binds the meatloaf mixture together. You can use a large or medium-sized egg for this recipe. Be sure to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

5. Milk

Milk adds moisture to your meatloaf. You can use any type of milk – whole milk, skim milk or even plant-based milk. Add half a cup of milk to the mixture.

6. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce adds flavor and depth to your meatloaf recipe. Add two or three tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to your mixture.

7. Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to your meatloaf to enhance the flavor. You can use as much or as little as you like.

8. Garlic

Garlic adds flavor to your meatloaf. You can use minced garlic or garlic powder. One or two cloves of garlic are enough for your meatloaf recipe.

9. Ketchup

Ketchup adds sweetness and tanginess to your meatloaf recipe. You can use two or three tablespoons of ketchup.

10. Beef Broth

Beef broth adds flavor to your gravy recipe. You can use beef broth or bouillon cubes. Add a cup of beef broth to your gravy.

Ingredients needed to prepare a Meatloaf with Gravy

Making a meatloaf with gravy can be an easy and delicious way to spice up your dinner table. Before you start gathering your ingredients, it’s essential to understand what you need to cook it. Below are the ingredients required to make a meatloaf with gravy.

Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients

Mixing the meatloaf ingredients is probably the easiest part of the whole process. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, beaten egg, salt, pepper, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients thoroughly, but don’t overmix.

Be careful not to add too much liquid in the meatloaf mixture as it can become mushy. Keep in mind that the breadcrumbs and milk already act as a binding agent and add moisture to the meatloaf. After mixing all the ingredients, shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.

Baking the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is shaped and in the baking dish, it’s time to bake it. Bake the meatloaf for approximately one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If the meatloaf is still not cooked, put it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

Let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes after you remove it from the oven before slicing it. You don’t want the meatloaf to fall apart.

Making the Gravy

While the meatloaf is baking, you can start making the gravy. Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the flour and whisk it for about one minute.

Gradually add the beef broth to the saucepan while continuously whisking the mixture to remove any lumps. Once the beef broth is added, add the tomato paste, thyme, and black pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. When the gravy starts to thicken, add the heavy cream and whisk thoroughly. Let the gravy simmer for another two minutes, and it’s ready to serve.

Serving

Once the meatloaf and gravy are ready, slice the meatloaf into desired portions and serve with the gravy on top. You can also add mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables as a side dish to make the meal more hearty and satisfying.

Enjoy the meatloaf with gravy, a classic comfort food dish perfect for any occasion.

Time to Dig In and Enjoy!

And there you have it, folks! A step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious meatloaf with gravy. Just follow these easy instructions and you’ll have a hearty and tasty dinner to serve up to your family and friends. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. Don’t forget to come back and visit our site for more great recipe ideas. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!