There are two types of people in this world. Meatloaf with ketchup and brown sugar people, and Meatloaf with Brown Gravy people. I am 100% a Meatloaf with Brown Gravy type of gal and I love making this simple recipe!

Before we jump to all the meatloaf talk and tips, let’s talk about quarantine really quick. We are on week 8 here in Pennsylvania, and things are starting to feel like we will be back to normal soon. People are browsing non-essentials at Target, I see people enjoying the outdoors and warm weather, and there are more cars on the road. This weekend we are set to reopen in the county where I live and it looks like that is going to happen.

My husband is also back to work. I have a feeling this is going to start feeling like a run-on Summer of 2020, and to be quite honest, I’m ok with that. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I got to spend with my husband and my kids during quarantine. It was peaceful. It was relaxing not to have a schedule or anywhere to be. I focused on my family, and we did the things that we love to do and I really couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I am not sure how things will be when our county re-opens, however I know things will be a bit different for a while and I am ok with that as well. My family will do what we have to do to keep others safe and I’m happy to do it without complaining.

Meatloaf Tips and Tricks

First, I highly recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. The last thing we want is dry meatloaf, and this will help with that.
The recipe calls for soaking your breadcrumbs in the milk before adding them to the rest of the ingredients. This also prevents the meatloaf from being dry and dense.
I do not use a loaf pan to bake my meatloaf. Instead I shape it into an oval on a piece of parchment paper or foil. This allows some of the drippings to come off of the meatloaf and I like that.
The recipe calls for soy sauce, this is going to boost your flavor! Don’t worry, it won’t taste like a Teriyaki recipe.
The recipe also calls for grated parmesan cheese. This also boosts flavor and adds moisture.
Be sure not to over mix your meatloaf, as this can also cause it to be dense. I always get my hands in there, mix it together really good, and shape it. I don’t mess around with utensils or trying to mix it without touching the meat.

Brown Gravy Recipe

1/4 sweet onion
1 clove garlic (optional)
2 Tablespoons butter
2 cups beef stock
1-2 Tablepsoons cornstarch
1-2 Tabelspoons cold water
salt + pepper to taste

Directions: Mince sweet onion to desired size. Mince garlic (optional). Heat 2 Tablespoons butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add sweet onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add beef stock and bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add to sauce pan, continuously stirring until gravy thickens. I suggest starting with 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch and adding more if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

Author: Dana

Description

This classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy is all the comfort food you need! A simple, minimalistic meatloaf recipe is paired with a delicious from scratch brown gravy that brings all the flavor and is glorious with mashed potatoes as well.

Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup milk

1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Alternately, use a loaf pan for your meatloaf.

Place ground beef, salt, pepper, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, add breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Allow a couple minutes for breadcrumbs to soak.

Add breadcrumb mixture to ground beef and mix thoroughly with hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Shape meatloaf in an oval on your parchment paper or foil. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes. Adjust heat in oven to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until meatloaf begins to brown on top.

Serve with Brown Gravy (recipe above in text).