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Ultimate Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Rich Gravy Easy and Perfect Every Time

classic meatloaf recipe - featured image

A warm, hearty meatloaf glazed with a rich, savory gravy that is moist, flavorful, and perfect every time. This classic comfort food is easy to make and ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (about 100 grams), plain or Italian-seasoned
  • ½ cup milk (120 ml), whole milk preferred
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup (120 ml) for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml), homemade or low sodium
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a small skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooled onion-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme or Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing evenly and smoothing the top. In a small bowl, mix ketchup with brown sugar and spread evenly over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  6. While baking, prepare the gravy: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling. Slowly whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  7. Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rich gravy poured over each slice.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Let breadcrumbs soak in milk before mixing to keep meatloaf moist. Apply ketchup glaze before baking for a caramelized topping. Rest meatloaf after baking to keep slices neat and juicy. Whisk gravy constantly to avoid lumps; thin with broth if too thick. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, rich gravy, comfort food, easy meatloaf, family dinner, homemade meatloaf