Homestyle Meatloaf with Rich Mushroom Gravy (Print Version)

Savor comforting Homestyle Meatloaf with Rich Mushroom Gravy. A truly simple, flavorful recipe perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains meat, dairy, gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1 large egg

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced and sautéed
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)

→ Gravy Essentials

11 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
13 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
14 - 2 cups beef broth
15 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Finishing Touches

16 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those onions and garlic finely diced. I always start here because the smell alone gets me excited! In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, milk, panko breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. I usually just dive in with my (clean!) hands here; it’s the best way to ensure everything is really well combined, but don't overmix, or your meatloaf can get tough. You want it just mixed, not mashed.
02 - Now, transfer that beautiful mixture to a baking dish or a foil-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf, about 9x5 inches, making sure it’s evenly thick so it cooks through consistently. This is where I sometimes get a little lopsided, but hey, it all tastes the same! Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. This glaze is essential for that lovely tangy crust. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. The smell starting to fill your kitchen? That’s pure comfort, hon.
03 - While your Homestyle Meatloaf is doing its thing, let's get that Rich Mushroom Gravy started. In a medium saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add your sliced cremini mushrooms and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their moisture and started to turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You'll see them shrink down, and the kitchen will smell wonderfully earthy. Don't rush this step; good browning equals good flavor!
04 - Once the mushrooms are beautifully browned, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over them. Stir it in and cook for another minute or so, letting that raw flour taste cook out. This creates a roux, thickening our gravy. Then, slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's extra flavor right there! Bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy starts to thicken nicely.
05 - Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This is where the "rich" really comes alive! Let it gently warm through; you don't want to boil the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Honestly, I always taste and adjust here. Sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes a dash more pepper. Trust your instincts! The gravy should be smooth, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic.
06 - Once your Homestyle Meatloaf is done (an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C is what you’re aiming for), take it out of the oven. This part is crucial: let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. I know, it’s hard to wait when it smells so good! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist. Slice thick pieces, spoon that glorious Rich Mushroom Gravy generously over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Pure bliss, I tell ya!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture; it makes it tough! Just combine until everything comes together.
02 - Store meatloaf and gravy separately for best reheating results. Gravy can split if microwaved too vigorously.
03 - For a slight smoky flavor, a tiny dash of liquid smoke in the meatloaf mix is a fun experiment I tried once.
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a green vegetable to soak up all that amazing gravy.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - 9x5 inch baking dish (or baking sheet)
03 - medium saucepan
04 - whisk
05 - cutting board
06 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: ~450
Total Fat: ~28g
Total Carbohydrate: ~20g
Protein: ~30g

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