Name: Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and texture); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large eggs, beaten; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella recommended); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Description

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade meatloaf topped with velvety mushroom gravy.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and texture)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs, beaten
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella recommended)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

First, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once that’s done, prepare a baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
It’s essential to mix this combination gently to maintain the meatloaf’s tenderness. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so be careful to stir until just combined.
Now, form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in your prepared baking dish. This is where you can be creative; you can shape it to fit your baking dish or leave it as a traditional loaf. Bake the combination for 50 to 60 minutes. It’s a good idea to check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) when the meatloaf is fully cooked. Once done, take the meatloaf out and allow it to rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest enables the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice deliciously moist.
While your meatloaf is baking, it’s time to prepare the luscious mushroom gravy. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they become golden brown and fragrant. This step enhances the mushrooms’ natural flavors, making your gravy unforgettable.
Next, sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring for about 2 minutes; this forms a roux, which will help thicken your gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth and velvety, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Now comes the delightful moment of serving! Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and generously ladle the warm mushroom gravy over each slice. Pair this dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Notes

Let your meatloaf rest before slicing to retain its moisture. If you prefer a spicier snap, consider mixing a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture. This recipe is versatile; feel free to double the mushroom gravy recipe if you enjoy extra sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 320 per serving
Sodium: 340 mg
Protein: 25 g