Southern meatloaf with brown gravy is a classic comfort food meal that feels warm, hearty, and homemade. Made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a rich brown gravy, this dish is perfect for family dinners and cozy weeknight meals.
Served with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or biscuits, this meatloaf is simple, filling, and full of old-fashioned flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
For the Brown Gravy
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Mix gently until everything is combined. Do not overmix, because this can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the brown gravy.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Pour the warm brown gravy over the sliced meatloaf and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Southern meatloaf with brown gravy is especially delicious with creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes and makes the meal even more comforting.
You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, buttered corn, green beans, macaroni and cheese, or warm dinner rolls.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf
Use ground beef with a little fat for a juicier texture.
Do not overmix the meat mixture.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together better.
For extra flavor, add a small amount of chopped bell pepper or parsley.
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
