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Juicy Meatloaf Gravy

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes That Work.

This dish combines juicy meatloaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices, baked golden and topped with a velvety mushroom sauce. The mushroom gravy is a mix of butter-sautéed mushrooms and cream, blending perfectly with every bite. Takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to cook and serves 8, ideal for family meals.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 01:28:58 GMT
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Meatloaf topped with rich mushroom gravy | thefamilycooks.com

A succulent, moist meatloaf smothered in velvety mushroom gravy takes me back to those wonderful Sunday gatherings at grandma's house. This hearty comfort food turns basic ground beef into something extraordinary, where every bite delivers perfectly balanced flavors and that mouthwatering savory mushroom sauce that has everyone asking for more.

I stumbled upon this winning combo while trying out different sauces, and the first time I matched earthy mushrooms with my mom's traditional meatloaf, I hit the jackpot. Even my kids, who normally pick out mushrooms, actually want extra of this gravy.

Key Ingredients and Smart Selection Advice

  • Ground Beef (80/20 blend): This fat percentage really matters - I once tried using leaner meat, but ended up with dry meatloaf. The 80/20 mix gives you that wonderful juicy bite while maintaining its shape
  • Fresh Mushrooms: Go for cremini mushrooms with tight caps and no moisture. They pack more flavor than white buttons and really boost the gravy's taste
  • Fresh Garlic and Onions: These flavor builders need to be chopped very small - I've found that bigger chunks can make your meatloaf fall apart when you cut it

Step-by-Step Cooking Guidelines

  • Bring meat to room temp while getting other items ready for better cooking results.
  • Chop onions super fine until they're almost mushy for improved texture.
  • Combine meatloaf ingredients lightly using just your fingertips.
  • Cook a tiny patty to check flavors before forming the whole loaf.
  • Form meatloaf with a rounded top so gravy pools nicely.
  • Cook mushrooms until they're deep brown before adding any liquid for maximum flavor.
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Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | thefamilycooks.com

As a kid, mushrooms were always what I looked forward to most in any meal. I can still picture my grandmother carefully choosing them at the store, showing me how to spot firm caps and smell for that woodland scent. These days, I find myself doing that same careful selection, knowing it's what makes the gravy so special.

Flavor Building Secrets

Over the years of tweaking this dish, I've learned that building flavors in layers makes all the difference. Both parts - the meat mixture and the sauce - need good seasoning individually before they come together. The splash of Worcestershire adds that special something that folks can't quite name but always want more of.

Getting the Heat Right

  • Let ingredients warm up to room temp before mixing for better results
  • Always use a meat thermometer to make sure it hits 160°F inside
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Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | thefamilycooks.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes that work as the ideal gravy sponge
  • Add something tangy like balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts for contrast

Second-Day Wonders

  • Slice leftovers for amazing sandwiches on toasted sourdough with extra gravy
  • Cook twice as much to enjoy tomorrow

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • Don't overwork the meat mixture if you want tender results
  • Make a small groove down the middle of the loaf to hold more gravy
  • When warming up leftover gravy, add a dash of beef broth to keep it smooth

After making this dish countless times, it's grown into something more than food - it's become a family custom in my house. The smell filling the kitchen still draws everyone in, just like at grandma's place back in the day. There's something special about a meal that doesn't just fill stomachs but creates lasting family moments around the table.

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Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this meatloaf early?
Sure! You can mix the ingredients up and keep it in the fridge for a day. Just make the sauce fresh before serving.
→ What tells me the meatloaf is done?
Use a thermometer. When it hits 160°F (71°C) after about 50-60 minutes at 350°F, it’s ready.
→ Is leftover meatloaf freezable?
Absolutely. It’ll last up to 3 months if frozen. Keep the gravy in a separate container for the best results.
→ What sides go great with this meal?
Some ideas are creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp green salad.
→ Can ground beef be replaced with something else?
Yes, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Mixing different meats also works well.

Meatloaf with Gravy

Seasoned beef meatloaf baked to perfection and finished with a hearty mushroom sauce. It’s comforting and easy to make.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Loaf

01 1 onion, diced finely
02 2 large eggs, whisked lightly
03 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 2 pounds ground beef, fresh
06 1 cup breadcrumbs
07 Salt and black pepper to your liking
08 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 ¼ cup ketchup

→ For Creamy Gravy

11 ½ cup heavy cream
12 Salt and black pepper, as needed
13 2 cups mushrooms, sliced thin
14 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 2 cups beef broth
16 4 tablespoons plain flour

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up. Rub some grease inside a casserole pan or throw parchment paper on a baking tray to keep things from sticking.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix gently. Be careful—if you mix too much, it won't stay tender.

Step 03

Pat the meat into a nice loaf shape and drop it into your greased pan. Bake it in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a thermometer in the middle says 160°F (71°C).

Step 04

While the loaf cooks, melt butter in a pan on medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 05

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in beef broth and then add the cream while stirring. Let it bubble gently until it thickens to your liking, about 5-7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to finish.

Step 06

After baking, let the loaf settle for a moment. Slice it into thick pieces and pour that gorgeous gravy over the top. Watch the smiles break out!

Notes

  1. Try swapping the beef with ground chicken or turkey to make it a little lighter.
  2. This dish goes great with mashed potatoes and freshly steamed veggies.
  3. If you’ve got leftovers, they make awesome sandwiches the next day.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large bowl for mixing.
  • Casserole dish or tray to bake.
  • Parchment paper to line the tray.
  • A skillet for sautéing.
  • Whisk for the gravy.
  • Thermometer to check meat temperature.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Dairy is used (butter and cream).
  • Gluten (breadcrumbs and flour) is present.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 499
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 25 g