Description
Hearty meatloaf with mushroom gravy brings classic comfort to dinner tables across America. Rich beef and savory mushroom sauce combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients:
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) fresh ground beef
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mushroom Gravy Ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) all-purpose flour
Liquid Components:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasonings:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the meatloaf.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, diced onions, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and selected herbs. Gently mix ingredients using hands until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix and maintain a tender texture.
- Form the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, carefully transferring it to the prepared baking dish. Ensure an even shape for consistent cooking.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
- While the meatloaf bakes, create the mushroom gravy. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they turn golden brown and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Dust the sautéed mushrooms with flour, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in beef broth and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into generous portions and generously drizzle with the freshly prepared mushroom gravy before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef with 85-90% lean meat for a healthier, less greasy meatloaf that still maintains incredible flavor and moisture.
- Keep meat mixture cold and handle gently to prevent tough, dense texture; mix ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, juicy result.
- Add extra moisture boosters like grated zucchini or soaked breadcrumbs to prevent dry meatloaf and enhance overall texture and richness.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe accessible for different dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg