This Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy recipe is a classic comfort dish made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory herbs. The meatloaf is topped with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make meal brings together tender meatloaf and a luscious, flavorful gravy, making it a hearty favorite everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt and pepper.

   • Mix everything gently using your hands until just combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared baking dish.

2. Bake the Meatloaf:

   • Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

3. Make the Mushroom Gravy:

   • While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir the mixture until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

   • Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it topped with the creamy mushroom gravy.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 499 kcal

• Fat: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Protein: 25g

Why Choose Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy?

This meatloaf recipe with mushroom gravy strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and indulgent flavor. Meatloaf has long been a favorite in homes for its simple ingredients, ability to feed a crowd, and versatility. The classic meatloaf gets an upgrade with a rich and creamy mushroom gravy that elevates the dish, transforming it from a traditional comfort meal to something special. The gravy not only adds a velvety texture but also brings the earthy flavor of mushrooms, which complements the hearty meatloaf beautifully.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Despite requiring just a handful of ingredients, it manages to deliver a well-rounded, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. The mushroom gravy adds depth and richness, making each bite a delightful combination of tender meat, savory herbs, and the creamy sauce.

The Key Ingredients for Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

The success of this dish lies in the quality and combination of ingredients used. The ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays an important role in the flavor and texture of the final product.

• Ground Beef: The foundation of any meatloaf is the ground beef. Using an 80/20 blend ensures the perfect balance of fat and lean meat, which keeps the meatloaf moist and tender. It provides the savory depth and richness essential to a satisfying meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binder and help absorb the excess moisture, keeping the meatloaf from becoming too dense. They also add a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the tender beef.

• Onion and Garlic: The combination of onion and garlic infuses the meatloaf with aromatic flavors, giving it a savory base. Onions add sweetness, while garlic provides a bit of bite and depth.

• Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent, helping hold the meatloaf together and giving it structure. They also add a richness that helps create a tender final product.

• Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: These two ingredients contribute a balance of tangy sweetness (from the ketchup) and umami richness (from the Worcestershire sauce), which enhance the flavor of the meatloaf. They also help create a slightly caramelized crust during baking.

• Herbs: Dried thyme and oregano bring a fragrant and earthy aroma, which pairs perfectly with the beef. These herbs give the meatloaf a more complex flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide the earthy, savory base for the gravy. Their natural umami flavor deepens the richness of the sauce, while their texture complements the creamy gravy beautifully.

• Butter and Flour: The butter is used to sauté the mushrooms, adding richness and helping to create a base for the gravy. The flour thickens the gravy, ensuring it has a smooth, creamy texture that clings perfectly to the meatloaf.

• Beef Broth and Heavy Cream: The beef broth adds savory depth to the gravy, while the heavy cream brings richness and a smooth finish. Together, they create a luxurious mushroom gravy that perfectly complements the meatloaf.

How to Achieve the Perfect Meatloaf

The process of making meatloaf is straightforward, but there are a few key tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. First, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture, as this can lead to a dense, tough texture. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined, ensuring that the meat retains its tenderness.

Shaping the meatloaf is also important—forming it into an even loaf ensures it cooks uniformly. You can either bake the meatloaf in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. The loaf will cook evenly, but using a baking sheet will allow the edges to crisp up slightly, giving the meatloaf a more satisfying texture.

Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. This small step ensures the meatloaf holds its shape and remains moist.

Making the Mushroom Gravy

While the meatloaf is baking, preparing the mushroom gravy is a breeze. The key to a great gravy lies in cooking the mushrooms until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This step helps release their natural flavors, which then become the base of the gravy.

Once the mushrooms are cooked, adding the flour creates a roux that helps thicken the gravy, giving it a silky smooth texture. Be sure to gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The combination of the broth and heavy cream creates a perfect balance of savory richness and creamy texture, making the gravy an indulgent topping for the meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Traditional comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are perfect companions to the hearty meatloaf and rich gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are an especially excellent choice, as they provide a base to soak up the luscious mushroom gravy.

For a lighter side, consider serving the meatloaf with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach, which add a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. A side of roasted carrots or sweet potatoes also complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf and adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the richness.

If you’re looking to make this meal even more indulgent, serve it with a side of crispy bread, which can be used to mop up the leftover gravy.

Conclusion

Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, flavorful meatloaf with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy that elevates the entire dish. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for family dinners, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to enjoy hearty, satisfying food. With a balance of savory, earthy, and creamy flavors, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of juicy meatloaf and velvety mushroom gravy is a timeless comfort food duo that will leave everyone at the table feeling full and content. Whether you’re a meatloaf enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe is bound to impress.