This Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy is the perfect comfort food, bringing together juicy, well-seasoned ground beef and pork with a rich, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful onion gravy. The meatloaf itself is tender and moist, packed with herbs, spices, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The caramelized onion gravy adds an irresistible finishing touch, making this dish a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- ½ lb ground pork (for extra tenderness)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for 5 minutes. This helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Add the soaked breadcrumb mixture and mix until just incorporated—avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan or on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using a loaf pan, drain any excess grease halfway through baking.
Step 2: Make the Caramelized Onion Gravy
- While the meatloaf is baking, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Be patient—caramelization takes time!
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
- Slice the meatloaf and pour the rich caramelized onion gravy over the top.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans.
Calories & Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (~6 servings per meatloaf)
- Calories per serving: ~400-450 kcal (varies based on portion size and exact ingredients)
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~25g
Final Thoughts
This Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy is a comforting, homey dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of beef and pork ensures the perfect texture, while the gravy brings richness and depth. Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy!