Old-fashioned meatloaf conjures up memories of cozy family dinners and the sweet aroma of home-cooked meals. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart and satisfies the tummy; a classic comfort food perfect for Sunday dinners or weeknight meals when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. As someone who has enjoyed this recipe countless times, I can attest to its ability to bring everyone together around the dining table.
Why cook this at home
There are so many reasons to whip up this old-fashioned meatloaf with brown gravy. First off, it’s an incredibly budget-friendly meal, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking to save a few bucks while still enjoying a delicious, filling dish. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasoning creates a satisfying meal that even picky eaters will gladly devour.
Additionally, meatloaf is wonderfully versatile—perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions when you want to impress with a classic dish. It’s easy to reheat, making it a perfect candidate for leftovers in lunches.
“This meatloaf was a hit at my family gathering! I loved the rich brown gravy—the perfect addition to an already amazing dish!” — Sarah J.
Preparing Old-Fashioned Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
Ready to create a hearty meatloaf? This recipe breaks down into a few straightforward steps. You start by mixing your ingredients, forming the meatloaf, and then baking it to perfection. Following the meatloaf, you prepare a savory brown gravy, which adds a luscious touch to the dish.
Knowing what to expect keeps the process manageable, especially if you’re new to cooking. The next section will provide a detailed ingredient list and highlight everything you need.
Key ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
You can switch up some ingredients if needed: for a leaner meatloaf, ground turkey or chicken can substitute the beef. Dairy-free milk works well instead of regular milk, too!
