Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Recipe

Name: Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef; 0.75 cup fresh bread crumbs; 0.5 cup chili sauce; 1 large egg; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms; 2 tablespoons minced onion; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Ingredients

1 pounds ground beef
cup fresh bread crumbs
cup chili sauce
1 large egg
teaspoon salt
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Gravy:

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chili sauce, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Press the meat mixture into an 8x4-inch loaf pan. Place the loaf pan on a rack inside a roasting pan.

Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked, with no trace of pink. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 160F (70C) when inserted into the center.

Step 5: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: While the meatloaf is resting, prepare the gravy. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 7: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced onions to the pan. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9: In a small cup, mix the water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir the mixture into the simmering broth.

Step 10: Continue to cook and stir the gravy for 1 more minute, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 11: Slice the meatloaf and serve with the mushroom gravy on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 451
Total Fat: 34g (43% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 14g (70% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 133mg (44% Daily Value)
Sodium: 431mg (19% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 23g (46% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 10mg (11% Daily Value)
Calcium: 43mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
Potassium: 400mg (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This comforting meatloaf recipe with brown gravy is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Tender meatloaf served with savory brown gravy is a beloved dish in many households. Lets dive into the history, regional differences, and unique aspects of this timeless meal.

Origin and History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf, as we know it today, traces its roots back to ancient times when it was made with minced meat. The dish gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, where the concept of "frikadellen" (a form of minced meat patties) was common. However, it wasnt until the 19th century that meatloaf became a staple in the United States. It was a practical and affordable way to stretch meat, particularly during times of economic hardship like the Great Depression. In the U.S., meatloaf is often associated with comfort food, especially when served with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Regional Variations of Meatloaf

While meatloaf is a common dish in many American homes, it has regional variations that reflect local tastes and ingredients. In the Southern U.S., meatloaf might feature a tangy ketchup or chili sauce glaze on top, while in the Midwest, a more straightforward preparation with minimal seasonings is preferred. Additionally, some recipes incorporate ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even bacon to give the dish a unique flavor profile. The gravy served alongside varies from a rich beef gravy to a simpler brown sauce, depending on the region.

What Sets This Meatloaf Apart?

What makes this "Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy" so special? Its the combination of a tender, well-seasoned meatloaf paired with a flavorful brown gravy made from sauted mushrooms and onions. The inclusion of chili sauce in the meatloaf adds a subtle sweetness and tang, which balances the savory gravy. Unlike some traditional meatloaf recipes, this version uses fresh bread crumbs for a lighter texture, making it a bit more delicate and moist.

Another distinguishing factor is the preparation of the gravy. While many meatloaf recipes serve the dish with store-bought gravy or ketchup, this recipes homemade brown gravy is a crucial element, with the addition of cornstarch to give it a smooth, velvety finish. Its a deliciously comforting touch that elevates the entire dish.

Where is Meatloaf Typically Served?

Meatloaf with brown gravy is a quintessential American dish, often seen in family-style dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. Its the kind of meal you might find in diners across the country or on a busy weeknight table. While its roots are in the United States, variations of meatloaf are also enjoyed in other countries, from Germanys Hackbraten to Italys meatloaf-like polpettone. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad, making it a versatile and hearty dish.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

In the U.S., meatloaf is often featured as a comfort food and frequently appears on dinner tables during family gatherings.
Meatloaf is one of the most customizable dishes. It can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, veal, turkey, and even bison, for those seeking a leaner alternative.
In the 1950s and 60s, meatloaf became a symbol of post-war American families, often serving as an inexpensive yet filling meal for large families.
The term meatloaf first appeared in the 18th century in American cookbooks, but its origins can be traced back to medieval European recipes for minced meat dishes.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy recipe is a modern take on a classic dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a Sunday family gathering, it promises comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. So, next time you're in the mood for a hearty, delicious meal, give this recipe a tryyou wont be disappointed!

FAQ about Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Recipe

Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for a few minutes until heated through.

Yes, meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until fully heated.

If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a combination of tomato paste and a little vinegar for tang. Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially if the sauce you use is sweeter or spicier than chili sauce.

To help keep your meatloaf together, consider adding an extra egg to the mix, which acts as a binder. Additionally, using fresh breadcrumbs or soaked breadcrumbs (instead of dry) can help retain moisture. If you're still having issues, try using a bit of ground oats or ground flaxseed as a binder.

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Then, bake it when you’re ready. You can also prepare the gravy in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To make this meatloaf gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check the labels of the other ingredients, like the chili sauce, to ensure they are also gluten-free.

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with rice or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a balanced meal.

Yes, you can make meatloaf in a slow cooker. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the gravy near the end of cooking and let it thicken as the meatloaf finishes cooking.

To thicken the gravy, you can increase the amount of cornstarch used. If it’s still too thin, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or add a little bit of flour to the mixture for a thicker consistency.

Yes! You can add vegetables like finely chopped onions, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra flavor and moisture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the loaf.

Comments

bakin' mommy

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Excellent! My very finicky husband and daughter LOVED it. I substituted seasoning salt for table salt, and since we "don't do spicy", I used worchesteshire sauce instead of chili sauce. This was the perfect quick and easy recipe.

ProPizza5769

04/27/2023 06:08:36 PM

This recipe is great! I'm on a strict AIP (Autoimmune Protocol Diet) and my husband is also on a restricted diet having just beat cancer's butt! I substituted the chili sauce with a mix of my homemade "Nomato" sauce and some horseradish (no peppers or tomato on my diet); substituted arrowroot starch for the cornstarch and gluten free panko for the bread crumbs. For any of my dietary restricted people, this came out absolutely fabulous! Add about 10 minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the liquid in the Nomato sauce compared to chili sauce. Excellent recipe!

I'm nuts too

01/16/2012 08:29:24 AM

I had the same issues as some others with the meatloaf falling apart. next time i will add minced onion to it. the gravy was tasty, and needed to be doubled so that we could use it on the mashed taters that went along with the meal. i too made a rue with the butter and cornstarch and then slowly added the broth which i made from bouillon and potato water. next time i will add a splash of gravy master to make it a bit darker. thx for the post!

Billy Seiber

12/22/2018 02:41:28 PM

Easy, delicious. Remember to put a few spoonsful of the heated sauce into the corn starch mixture before dumping the corn starch and water into the gravy. This is how you prevent clumping. I used extra onion in the gravy, and I also added minced garlic and chopped onion to the meatloaf. The garlic didn’t cook through in the baking process, but I’m a fan of flavorful, crunchy garlic pieces.

Robin Pohorelsky

06/16/2023 07:13:39 AM

Very good! Added minced onion, 1 jalapeño & 2 eggs to meat. Added 4 garlic cloves minced to gravy. It was very thin so I added 1TBS cornstarch with beef broth to thicken.

Angela

08/17/2025 09:55:44 PM

My Husband LOVED IT! He rated it a 4.5 stars. He said it was the best meatloaf he has ever had and the gravy was great too. Now this could have hurt my feelings because I thought my recipe was the best ever meatloaf. The meatloaf is a family recipe. I tasted the chili sauce (Heinz 57 brand) and I thought it tasted like ketchup. So I did add a few shakes of chili powder to the meat loaf mix. I made fresh fine bread crumbs. I used 2 eggs per the reviews saying the loaf crumbled. The meatloaf was soft but held together. And I used a 1 pound beef, pork, veal mix and a half pound of ground beef to equal the 1 1/2 pounds. The meatloaf loaf took one hour 15 minutes to reach 167 degrees. I didn’t add the mushrooms to the gravy. I was confused on which kind of onions to used dried minced onion or fresh. I used fresh, and sautéed them before adding the broth and the rest of the ingredients. I cook for my husband palate so I will be making both the meatloaf and the gravy again. I think people should try this recipe.

Rosemarie

01/25/2009 08:05:54 AM

Very good and the chili sauce adds a nice kick- Scaled down recipe to one pound of meat. Added one stalked of celery diced and 1/4 cup diced onion and chopped mushrooms. Also about two tblp of chopped italian parsley. Used thai sweet chili sauce. We made extra gravy- Used one 14 oz can beef broth for gravy and adjusted other ingredients accordingly. Added thyme to the gravy. Enough gravy for the meat and mashed potatoes.

lutzflcat

01/07/2019 08:31:19 PM

1.7.19 I didn’t make the meatloaf, only the gravy. I had some mushrooms which needed to be used up, and wanted a simple gravy/sauce for some grilled ground beef patties (no bun). I often use a pkg of McCormick® Brown Gravy for something like this, split the cup of liquid between beef stock and red wine, added a bit of dried tarragon, salt and pepper. OK, OK, I know I changed it a bit, but this actually turned out quite well, and the recipe is strong enough to stand on its own. I see no need to ever buy the McCormick® gravy again, as this was so easy to make, inexpensive, and turned out pretty well.

Carolin

02/10/2015 06:23:21 PM

The chili makes this meatloaf so you have to use one that has a great taste. I used Tabasco Homestyle 7 spice chili starter. My changes that I made to this recipe are that I used 2 pounds of ground bison instead of ground beef, and since I try to avoid gluten, I used crushed cornflakes instead of bread crumbs. I also added an extra egg to help bind it together. The results were great! My husband has asked for this to be added to our rotation and my brother-in-law thought it was the best meatloaf that he ever had.

Kay

03/22/2018 02:32:26 PM

I use this recipe for the gravy. I add 1 tsp seasoning salt and mix 1/4 cup of water (2 tablespoons of water yields too thick of a consistency for us).

Jan

08/20/2010 09:01:53 PM

Surprisingly good! I did put garlic in the gravy as others suggested as well as a little cayenne for extra bite. All in all a country style wholesome supper which was especially good with garlic/sourcream mashed potatoes! Loved it :)

GiftedSeed4442

12/21/2024 01:15:43 PM

Awsome, I subed salsa for chili sauce and used onion soup mix instead of onions. Best yet!

Charles Diaz

11/09/2024 12:13:31 AM

This recipe is now officially legendary.

PuffyStove5274

10/09/2024 10:43:37 PM

Quick, easy, delish!!! Who could ask for more??? I highly recommend!

Amy Collins

09/10/2024 04:35:21 PM

It turned out so pretty too!

Jerry Collins

08/21/2024 02:14:01 PM

Made it and everyone loved it.

TidySnap5899

03/09/2023 11:40:07 AM

Perfect for the whole family! Easy and delicious 😋

MintThyme7423

03/05/2023 07:55:30 PM

This recipe is so easy!!!!

Greg McCright

08/20/2022 09:33:24 PM

My go-to meatloaf recipe - better than Mom's AND better than my ex-wife's!

Cponta1

07/13/2022 10:32:09 PM

I followed it to the letter for the gravy ,it came out great. I did blend it in my Vita Mix than reduced it.

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Best Ever Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Recipe