Here’s a complete, flavorful recipe for Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy. I’ll break it down step by step so it comes out perfectly moist, flavorful, and rich.
Savory Meatloaf
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
- 2 lbs ground beef (or mix beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (or tomato paste for richer flavor)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Topping
- 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Soak breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 5 minutes until milk is absorbed.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a small pan, cook chopped onion and garlic in 1 tsp oil over medium heat until soft and translucent. Let cool slightly.
- Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion/garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley. Mix gently—overmixing can make meatloaf dense.
- Shape: Form mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Top: Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake: 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Caramelized Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or a mix of broth and water)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness/depth
Instructions
- Caramelize onions: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, 20–25 minutes until golden brown and soft.
- Make roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquid: Gradually stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish: Optional: add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance sweetness and balance flavors.
Serving
- Slice meatloaf and serve with generous spoonfuls of caramelized onion gravy.
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
If you want, I can also give a shortcut version that uses fewer steps but keeps the gravy rich and the meatloaf tender—perfect for weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
