A Comforting, Hearty Dinner for Family and Friends
Introduction
Nothing says comfort food like a classic meatloaf with rich onion gravy. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground meat, soft breadcrumbs, and flavorful onions, baked to perfection, and topped with a luscious homemade gravy that’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe is long, detailed, and designed for website audiences who love step-by-step guidance, tips, and variations. The following guide provides a professional, WordPress-ready format suitable for food blogs, with sections for ingredients, preparation, cooking tips, variations, serving suggestions, and storage instructions.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean for best flavor)
- ½ lb ground pork (optional for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping and optional inside)
For the Onion Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Prepare the breadcrumbs
Place breadcrumbs in a small bowl and pour milk over them. Let soak for 5–10 minutes until soft. This will keep the meatloaf tender. - Sauté aromatics
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Let cool slightly. - Mix the meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon — avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense. - Shape and bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet. Spread ketchup on top if desired. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing. - Prepare the onion gravy
While the meatloaf rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until caramelized (about 8–10 minutes). Sprinkle flour over onions, stir, and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. - Serve
Slice the meatloaf and pour onion gravy generously over each serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans for a classic comfort meal.
- Add a side of buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread.
- Leftovers work perfectly for sandwiches the next day with a slice of cheese and gravy on the side.
Tips for Success
- Meat choice: A mix of beef and pork keeps the meatloaf moist; all beef works too but may be slightly firmer.
- Don’t overmix: Gentle folding keeps meatloaf tender.
- Resting: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing keeps juices locked in.
- Gravy: For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
Variations
- Cheese-stuffed meatloaf: Add slices of cheddar or mozzarella in the center.
- Vegetable boost: Mix finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture.
- Spicy twist: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- BBQ topping: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat slices in a skillet with a bit of gravy or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
Conclusion
This Classic Meatloaf with Onion Gravy is a timeless recipe that combines hearty, flavorful meat with sweet and savory onion gravy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for gatherings. The detailed steps, tips, and variations make it perfect for cooking enthusiasts, food bloggers, and families seeking both comfort and culinary satisfaction.
Disclaimer
This recipe, its story, and format are provided for entertainment and culinary inspiration.