Irresistible Tender Brown Gravy Meatloaf Recipe That Screams Comfort

When you think of a warm, nostalgic meal that brings people together, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a thick slice of tender Brown Gravy Meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in savory gravy. This is the kind of dinner that wraps you in comfort with every bite — hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday supper, a cozy weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this classic meatloaf with rich brown gravy delivers the old-fashioned flavor you crave without complicated steps. Even better, the ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, making this one of those meatloaf recipes with gravy that never lets you down.

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What Makes This Brown Gravy Meatloaf So Special?

Unlike ketchup-topped meatloaf recipes, this version skips the tomato glaze in favor of a deep, flavorful brown gravy that coats the meat perfectly. The meatloaf itself is tender and juicy thanks to a balance of meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. But it’s the from-scratch brown gravy that really seals the deal. Rich with beef stock and just the right amount of butter and flour, it’s the ultimate complement to the moist, seasoned loaf.

This recipe takes things a step further by broiling the sliced meatloaf briefly before topping with gravy, enhancing the flavor and giving a little extra texture to the surface. It’s one of those meatloaf and gravy recipes that taste even better than what Grandma used to make.

Who Will Love This Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe?

This recipe is perfect for:

• Families looking for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner
• Anyone craving a taste of home-cooked nostalgia
• Meal preppers seeking easy-to-reheat comfort food
• Fans of meatloaf with brown gravy rather than ketchup-based toppings
• Cooks who appreciate classic, foolproof recipes with a bit of elevated technique

Pair it with something like cheesy mashed potato puffs or garlic herb roasted vegetables and you’ll have a meal that everyone will ask for again.

Ingredients for Brown Gravy Meatloaf (with Precise Measurements)

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20)
• 1 pound ground pork
• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Brown Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock or broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Brown Gravy Meatloaf Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the onions and garlic
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the meat mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape and bake
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape about 8×4 inches and place it on the sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Rest the meatloaf
   Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and makes slicing easier.

How to Make Gravy for Meatloaf from Scratch

1. Start the roux
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a light brown roux.
2. Add broth
   Slowly whisk in the beef stock, making sure there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
3. Adjust seasoning
   Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Want to add a twist? You could also try your gravy over sourdough mashed potatoes or pour it over a slice of stuffed acorn squash for a fun fall vibe.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Skillet for sautéing
• Saucepan for gravy
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer
• Parchment paper or foil

Tips for the Juiciest Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

• Use a mix of beef and pork for optimal flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix your meat mixture — this leads to tough meatloaf.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside.
• Use whole milk or a milk substitute with fat for moisture.
• Slice thick and broil for a minute or two before topping with gravy for extra richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatloaf Recipes with Gravy

• Skipping the onion sauté step — raw onions can taste harsh.
• Baking in a loaf pan with no airflow can lead to soggy meatloaf. A baking sheet gives better results.
• Not resting the meatloaf will cause it to fall apart.
• Skipping the gravy or using store-bought — homemade gravy truly elevates this dish.

How to Serve and Present Brown Gravy Meatloaf

Plate the sliced meatloaf with warm gravy generously spooned over each piece. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve with a scoop of vegetable casserole, cucumber dill salad, or even a mini pumpkin bread for a sweet contrast.

Leftover Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store in the fridge: Place slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F or microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add chopped mushrooms to the meat mix for earthy flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• For extra richness, top the slices with melted cheese before adding gravy — similar to a meatball parmesan casserole.

What to Serve with Brown Gravy Meatloaf

Round out your plate with comforting sides:

• Garlic butter corn
• Apple crisp with oatmeal
• Mini pancake cereal for breakfast-style leftovers
• Pumpkin French toast roll-ups if you’re turning it into a brunch menu

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Meatloaf With Gravy

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and make sure to use both pork and beef for fat content.

Is it okay to skip the gravy?
Sure, but the brown gravy really completes this dish and makes it unforgettable.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain, unseasoned breadcrumbs are best, but panko works too for a lighter texture.

Final Thoughts + Share and Save This Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe

This Brown Gravy Meatloaf Recipe is proof that simple ingredients and classic techniques can create something extraordinary. With its tender interior and savory gravy, it’s a must-have recipe for your family dinner rotation. Whether you’re new to meatloaf or a seasoned home cook, this one hits all the right notes.

If you love this recipe, share it with someone who needs a cozy dinner idea and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more comforting, satisfying meals.

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