Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy

🥩 Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy Recipe

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-made meatloaf, especially when topped with a rich, flavorful gravy. This savory meatloaf recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of ground beef and pork, a blend of fresh herbs, and a savory glaze. But what really elevates this dish is the caramelized onion gravy. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, making the meatloaf incredibly moist and flavorful.

The recipe comes together easily, and the results are a perfect balance of hearty, tender meatloaf and rich, savory gravy. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad, it’s a meal everyone will love. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for a juicy meatloaf)

• 1 lb ground pork (for added moisture and flavor)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or plain)

• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth and saltiness)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds color and smoky flavor)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing

For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)

• 1 ½ cups beef broth (for rich flavor)

• ½ cup dry red wine (optional but adds depth)

• 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the gravy)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

a. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, or until the onions soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool.

b. Combine the Meat and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooled sautéed onions and garlic to the mixture.

c. Mix the Meatloaf

Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to help absorb the moisture.

2. Form and Bake the Meatloaf

a. Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you use a loaf pan, the meatloaf will have more structure, but if you prefer a slightly crustier outside, a baking sheet is the way to go.

b. Bake the Meatloaf

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked without drying out.

c. Let it Rest

Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist meatloaf. While the meatloaf is resting, you can start making the caramelized onion gravy.

3. Caramelize the Onions for the Gravy

a. Cook the Onions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly in the butter and oil. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the onions to help them caramelize. Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be patient; this process allows the sugars in the onions to develop, creating a rich, golden-brown color and deep flavor.

b. Deglaze the Pan

Once the onions have caramelized, add ½ cup of red wine (if using) to the pan to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as this will add depth to the gravy. Let the wine cook down for 2–3 minutes.

c. Add the Broth and Thicken the Gravy

Next, add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

To thicken the gravy, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out.

d. Season the Gravy

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The gravy should have a sweet-savory flavor from the caramelized onions and a rich, umami taste from the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

4. Serve the Meatloaf with Gravy

Once the meatloaf has rested, slice it into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and generously spoon the caramelized onion gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped thyme for added color and freshness.

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🌟 Tips for Perfect Meatloaf

• Fat ratio: The combination of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatloaf both flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner meatloaf, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork, though it may be slightly drier.

• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, airy texture, but regular bread crumbs will also work. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

• Milk: You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even cream for a richer meatloaf. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using unsweetened almond milk.

• Resting the meatloaf: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the meatloaf moist and makes slicing easier.

• Freezing: Meatloaf can be frozen before baking. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

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🍛 What to Serve with Savory Meatloaf and Caramelized Onion Gravy

This hearty meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for rounding out your meal:

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for meatloaf. The rich, velvety potatoes absorb the savory gravy, making each bite even more delicious.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roast up some seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the meatloaf and gravy.

3. Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus

A simple vegetable like green beans or asparagus adds a fresh, crisp element to the meal. You can sauté them with garlic or toss them with lemon zest for added flavor.

4. Crispy Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the meatloaf and gravy. Try mixed greens, arugula, or a classic Caesar salad.

5. Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread

Soft, warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.

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🧠 Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

• Calories: 400–450 kcal per serving (with gravy)

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbohydrates: 20–25g

• Protein: 30–35g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 600–800mg

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❓ Troubleshooting Tips

• Meatloaf too dry? Ensure you’re using a combination of ground beef and pork for moisture. Don’t overbake it, and allow it to rest after baking.

• Gravy too thin? Let it simmer longer to reduce. If needed, add a little extra flour (mixed with a bit of broth or water) to thicken it further.

• Gravy too salty? If you’ve added too much salt, try balancing it with a little sugar or more broth.

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💭 Final Thoughts

This savory meatloaf with caramelized onion gravy is a timeless, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family on a cozy weeknight. The caramelized onion gravy adds an irresistible depth of flavor, making this meatloaf a standout dish. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad, it’s sure to be a hit.