Today, I’m sharing two fantastic meatloaf recipes that I know you will enjoy. Meatloaf is a truly comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner or when you just want something hearty and delicious. I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it always feels special.
Whether you prefer a classic meatloaf with a rich mushroom gravy or something with a surprise cheesy center, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are straightforward, easy to follow, and promise to bring a satisfying meal to your table.
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Meatloaf With Mushroom Gravy: A Classic Comfort Meal
This classic meatloaf recipe is a family favorite for good reason. It’s tender, full of flavor, and topped with a savory mushroom gravy that brings everything together.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Ground Meat Choice: For the best flavor and moisture in your meatloaf, I suggest using 80/20 ground beef. It has enough fat to keep it from drying out as it bakes.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your meatloaf ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.
- Flavorful Gravy: Building a rich mushroom gravy starts with good quality mushrooms and a proper roux. Don’t rush this step for the best result.
What You Need for Meatloaf and Gravy
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Gravy: 1 tbsp olive oil, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1/4 cup heavy cream, fresh parsley for garnish
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached. While the meatloaf bakes, you can start preparing the mushroom gravy.
Step 3: Make the Mushroom Gravy
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the sliced mushrooms until they are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the pan and set aside. Add butter to the skillet, and once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened. Add the cooked mushrooms back to the gravy. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Serve slices of meatloaf generously topped with your homemade mushroom gravy and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
📝 Final Note
Leftover meatloaf slices are wonderful in sandwiches the next day, or you can freeze portions of both meatloaf and gravy separately for future quick meals.
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf: Cheesy Centerpiece Dinner
If you love cheese, this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is definitely for you. It’s a fun way to prepare a meatloaf, featuring a gooey, cheesy center that is a delightful surprise with every slice.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cheesy Meatloaf
- Block Mozzarella: I recommend using a block of mozzarella that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts.
- Seal the Cheese: Make sure the meat mixture completely surrounds the mozzarella. This helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking and keeps it perfectly gooey inside.
- Flavorful Glaze: A simple ketchup-based glaze adds a nice tangy finish to the meatloaf. Don’t skip this step!
What You Need for Stuffed Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes
- For Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 2: Stuff and Shape the Loaf
Divide the meat mixture in half. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form one half into a rectangular base, about 1 inch thick. Arrange the shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese over the center of this base, leaving a border of meat. Top with the remaining meat mixture, carefully sealing the edges all around to enclose the cheese completely.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
Bake the stuffed meatloaf for 45 minutes. While it bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and a perfect gooey center. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
This stuffed meatloaf is especially good with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to catch any delicious cheesy drips!
