Nothing says comfort food quite like a juicy, tender meatloaf smothered in rich, savory onion gravy! This Meatloaf with Onion Gravy recipe is packed with deep flavors, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and a velvety brown gravy makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
If you love classic homestyle meals that warm the soul, this meatloaf is for you! And trust me—leftovers (if you have any!) taste just as amazing the next day.
Ready to bring some heartwarming goodness to your table? Let’s get cooking!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
- Ultra moist & tender: No dry, crumbly meatloaf here! A mix of eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk ensures the perfect texture.
- Packed with flavor: Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion add depth to every bite.
- That onion gravy though! Thick, rich, and slightly sweet, this gravy takes the meatloaf to the next level.
- Perfect for meal prep: It stores well and tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your taste (see substitution ideas below!).
🍽️ What Does This Meatloaf Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a forkful of juicy, seasoned beef, enhanced by a buttery, caramelized onion gravy. The meatloaf itself is slightly smoky, with just a hint of sweetness from the onions and Worcestershire sauce. The gravy is savory, with a deep umami flavor that coats the meat beautifully.
It’s comfort food at its best—simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Ground beef swap? Try ground turkey, pork, or a mix of beef and pork for extra juiciness.
- No breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers, oats, or panko work great.
- Want extra veggies? Finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms blend in beautifully.
- Love a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
👨🍳 How to Make Meatloaf with Onion Gravy
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands—just until combined! Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Shape & Bake
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Make the Onion Gravy
While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized and golden brown (about 10-12 minutes).
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a generous ladle of onion gravy on top.
🍽️ What to Serve with Meatloaf
- Mashed potatoes – Because gravy + potatoes = magic!
- Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans complement this meal perfectly.
- Buttery dinner rolls – For soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Classic mac & cheese – Because why not? Comfort food heaven!
💡 Tips for the Best Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix! Stirring too much can make your meatloaf tough.
- Use a meat thermometer. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked at 160°F.
- Rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
- Make it ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better!
🏡 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
Q: Can I use a different gravy?
A: Yes! Mushroom gravy or a simple brown gravy would also pair beautifully.
Q: Why is my meatloaf dry?
A: It may have been overcooked, or you used lean beef. Stick to 80/20 ground beef for the best results!
🍽️ More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
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Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Now tell me—doesn’t this meatloaf with onion gravy sound like the ultimate comfort food? 🤤 Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 🍽️❤️