If you’re craving a classic comfort meal that never fails to satisfy, the Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef shaped into a tender loaf, topped with a savory mushroom gravy that’s rich and flavorful. Whether you’re looking to impress family or simply treat yourself, this dish offers delicious warmth and hearty goodness in every bite. The balance of textures—from the soft interior of the meatloaf to the smooth, earthy gravy—makes this dish an all-time favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component in this Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the ground beef’s richness to the fresh mushrooms’ deep earthiness.
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend): The ideal fat ratio to keep your meatloaf juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
- 1 cup fresh cremini mushrooms, finely chopped: Adds moisture and umami depth right into the meatloaf.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the mix with a fragrant punch that brightens every bite.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and tender texture throughout.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the loaf tender.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings complexity with savory, tangy undertones.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight every flavor.
- 1 cup fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced: The star of the mushroom gravy, offering a lovely bite and richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aroma and depth to the gravy.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Sweetness and body for a balanced, luscious sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: The base for the gravy, providing a robust and meaty foundation.
How to Make Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by letting your ground beef come to room temperature—this helps it cook evenly. Finely chop your onions, garlic, and mushrooms so they blend perfectly within the meat. In a large bowl, gently combine the beef with breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and seasonings. Be careful not to overmix; you want the meat to stay tender, not dense.
Step 2: Season and Shape
Frying a small patty of the mixture lets you taste and adjust your seasonings perfectly before baking. Once you’re happy with the flavor, shape the meat mixture into a loaf with a slightly domed top to ensure even cooking throughout.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Place your meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake it for about one hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Resist the urge to open the oven too often; steady heat gives you the juiciest results. Once done, allow the meatloaf to rest, letting the juices redistribute.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy
While your meatloaf is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat to sauté the sliced mushrooms until they’re golden and slightly caramelized. Add the chopped garlic and onions, cooking another couple of minutes until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and reduce it to a thick, silky gravy that’s just begging to be spooned over your meatloaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives not only brightens the plate visually but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. The smooth and fluffy potatoes are perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious mushroom gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your meatloaf sliced thick with the mushroom gravy poured generously on top, accompanied by a small side salad for a touch of freshness. For a twist, turn slices into mini meatloaf sliders with a dollop of gravy and a pickle on brioche buns to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last up to four days in the fridge, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Freezing
This Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the meatloaf and gravy separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Slow and low is the way to go when reheating. Warm your meatloaf slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, and gently reheat the gravy on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, though it’s leaner than beef, so you might want to add a little extra moisture like a splash of broth or some finely chopped mushrooms to keep the loaf juicy.
What’s the best way to chop mushrooms for the meatloaf?
Finely chopping your mushrooms ensures they integrate smoothly into the meatloaf without overwhelming the texture but still give you those lovely earthy bursts of flavor.
Can I make the mushroom gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Make the gravy up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, giving it a stir before serving to restore its silky texture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is properly cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is using a meat thermometer. Your meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked while remaining moist.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely! Let the meatloaf cool completely, slice it, and freeze the slices with the gravy separately. This allows you to thaw and reheat only what you need, preserving freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to pull together — perfect for warming up any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your family’s mealtime routine. You’re going to love every mouthwatering bite!
Print
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Made with a flavorful blend of ground beef, fresh mushrooms, garlic, and onions, baked to perfection and served with a rich mushroom gravy, it’s a satisfying and timeless meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup fresh cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Gravy
- 1 cup fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf: Allow the ground beef to come to room temperature for even mixing and cooking.
- Chop Aromatics: Finely chop the onions and garlic and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onions, garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Gently: Gently mix until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
- Test Seasoning: Fry a small patty from the mixture and taste; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Shape the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf with a slightly domed top for even cooking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 1 hour.
- Make Mushroom Gravy: While meatloaf bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add chopped garlic and onions to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Simmer Gravy: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until gravy thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season Gravy: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest Meatloaf: Let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and spoon the mushroom gravy over each serving.
Notes
- Letting the beef come to room temperature ensures even cooking and better flavor integration.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Testing a small patty for seasoning prevents any blandness in the final dish.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking allows the juices to redistribute for moist slices.
- The mushroom gravy can be thickened further with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings with proportional baking time adjustment.
