Meatloaf is a classic dish that has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It’s hearty, filling, and delicious, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. But what makes a great meatloaf even better? A delicious brown gravy, of course! And that’s exactly what our Grandma shared with us – her famous brown gravy meatloaf recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Grandma’s meatloaf recipe is simple and easy to make, with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. But it’s the brown gravy that takes this recipe to the next level. The rich and savory gravy adds depth of flavor and moisture to the meatloaf, making it a true comfort food delight.
Here’s how to make Grandma’s famous brown gravy meatloaf recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well with your hands until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, pressing it down to form an even layer.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the brown gravy. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the pan and whisk together to form a roux.
- Cook the roux for a few minutes until it starts to turn a light brown color.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan, and continue to whisk until the gravy thickens.
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the brown gravy drizzled over the top.
Tips:
- Use a mixture of ground beef that has a higher fat content, such as 80/20, for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or even oats as a substitute.
- For a bit of extra flavor, try adding some minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, or grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender loaf.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour to the roux. Similarly, if you want a thinner gravy, you can add more beef broth.
- Meatloaf is a classic dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With Grandma’s famous brown