Meatloaf with mushroom gravy is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and full of savory flavor. This dish brings together a perfectly seasoned beef meatloaf and a rich, earthy mushroom gravy that takes everything to the next level. It’s a nostalgic meal for many, yet still feels fresh and comforting every time it’s served. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or planning to stretch meals throughout the week, meatloaf delivers both taste and value.

The secret to a moist and flavorful meatloaf lies in using the right blend of beef, fresh aromatics like onions and garlic, and seasoning it generously. Topping it off with a mushroom gravy made from sautéed cremini mushrooms, garlic, onions, and beef broth gives it depth and richness that you just don’t get from ketchup or tomato sauces. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

This meatloaf recipe is approachable enough for weeknight cooking yet satisfying enough for a special Sunday meal. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your go-to dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Savory Flavors – The combination of ground beef and earthy mushrooms creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
Perfect Texture – Moist and tender meatloaf with a slight crust, balanced by velvety gravy.
Great for Meal Prep – Makes generous portions and tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – You can tweak the seasoning or add your favorite vegetables to the loaf.
Crowd-Pleaser – A classic, comforting dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

Ground beef (80/20 blend)
Fresh cremini mushrooms
Fresh garlic
Fresh onions
Breadcrumbs
Worcestershire sauce
Other seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, thyme)

Mushroom Gravy

Fresh cremini mushrooms
Garlic
Onions
Beef broth

Variations

Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra flavor.
Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or oat flour.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Herb-Rich: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for added aroma.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bring Meat to Room Temperature

Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing for even cooking.

Step 2: Prep Aromatics

Finely chop onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté mushrooms if desired for deeper flavor before mixing.

Step 3: Mix Gently

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onions, garlic, mushrooms, and seasonings. Mix gently to avoid a dense texture.

Step 4: Test Seasoning

Fry a small patty from the mixture in a skillet to test the seasoning. Adjust as needed.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Form the meat into a loaf with a slight dome shape. You can create a shallow trench along the top to hold some gravy later.

Step 6: Bake

Place the loaf in a heavy-bottomed loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 55–70 minutes depending on loaf size.

Step 7: Rest the Meatloaf

Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Step 8: Make the Gravy

Sauté mushrooms until golden brown, then add garlic and onions. Pour in beef broth and simmer until thickened to desired consistency.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use 80/20 Ground Beef: Ensures a moist and flavorful meatloaf without being greasy.
Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing prevents a tough, compact loaf.
Heavy-Bottom Pan: Helps the loaf cook evenly and form a good crust.
Make Gravy Ahead: Save time by making the mushroom gravy up to 2 days in advance.
Rest Before Slicing: Prevents juices from escaping and keeps slices tender.

How to Serve

Classic Pairing: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Add a Green Salad: For a fresh contrast, serve with a simple green salad.
On Toast: Serve slices of meatloaf over toasted bread, smothered in mushroom gravy.
Family Style: Slice the loaf at the table and pour gravy over each piece just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatloaf and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze gravy separately in an airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat meatloaf in a 300°F oven or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to the gravy when reheating to restore consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted or mixed with beef.

2. Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

It may lack enough binder (breadcrumbs or eggs) or wasn’t mixed thoroughly enough.

3. Can I make this meatloaf dairy-free?

Absolutely—this recipe doesn’t require milk or cheese unless you add it.

4. Do I need to cover the meatloaf while baking?

No, bake uncovered for a better crust. Cover loosely if it’s browning too quickly.

5. Can I make mini meatloaves?

Yes, divide the mixture into muffin tins or mini loaves and adjust the baking time accordingly.

6. How do I thicken my mushroom gravy?

Simmer uncovered to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

7. Can I use dried mushrooms?

Yes, rehydrate them first. They’ll add a more intense umami flavor.

8. What’s the best way to shape the loaf?

Use your hands to form a free-form loaf or shape it directly in a pan with room on the sides.

9. Can I freeze the uncooked meatloaf?

Yes, shape the loaf, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! You can reduce onions or mushrooms for picky eaters without losing flavor.

Conclusion

Meatloaf with mushroom gravy is a timeless classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its rich, savory taste, juicy texture, and hearty presentation, it’s no wonder this dish remains a family favorite. Whether you serve it for Sunday supper or prepare it ahead for a busy week, this recipe offers flexibility, comfort, and serious flavor. Don’t forget to save those leftovers—they make the best next-day sandwiches ever. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting dish that never goes out of style.