Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a hearty, homemade meatloaf. Juicy, flavorful, and served with a rich caramelized onion gravy, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. Here’s everything you need to know to create the ultimate Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy at home.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
Instructions
Making the Meatloaf:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix gently until well incorporated but avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape and bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet (or in a loaf pan). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help retain its juices.
Preparing the Caramelized Onion Gravy:
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are deep golden brown.
- Make the gravy base: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the meatloaf and serve it generously smothered with the caramelized onion gravy. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Savory meatloaf with caramelized onion gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. With its tender texture and rich, flavorful gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!