🍽️ Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
⭐ Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar for extra richness
Meatloaf Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Caramelized Onion Gravy
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: splash of cream for silkiness
1. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl combine:
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs
- diced onion
- minced garlic
- eggs
- milk
- ketchup
- Worcestershire
- salt, pepper, thyme
- Mix gently using your hands — don’t overmix or it will become dense.
2. Shape & Bake
- Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment.
- Form meat mixture into a loaf shape.
- Mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire) and spread over the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Caramelized Onion Gravy
- While meatloaf bakes, heat butter + olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and soft.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth, whisking until thickened.
- Add mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: Stir in a splash of cream for richer gravy.
4. Serve
Slice the juicy meatloaf and spoon plenty of caramelized onion gravy over the top.
Pair with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted veggies
- Buttered noodles
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Use half beef + half pork for extra tenderness.
- Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan for deeper flavor.
- Want a smoky twist? Add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- Make it gluten-free: use GF breadcrumbs + cornstarch for the gravy.