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Juicy Mushroom Gravy Meatloaf

Featured in Beef Dishes Worth Making at Home.

This dish mixes seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and herbs to make a moist, flavorful meatloaf. It’s cooked until perfect and paired with a creamy mushroom gravy made from sautéed mushrooms, butter, and cream. Serves 8 and needs about 1 hour 20 minutes to prep and cook.
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Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:18:17 GMT
Juicy Mushroom Gravy Meatloaf Pin it
Juicy Mushroom Gravy Meatloaf | cookbybook.com

A soft, succulent meatloaf covered in flavorful mushroom sauce takes me back to those wonderful Sunday meals at grandma's house. This heartwarming favorite turns basic ground beef into something extraordinary, where every bite delivers perfectly balanced flavors and that mouthwatering savory mushroom topping that has everyone asking for more.

I stumbled upon this fantastic combo while trying out different sauces, and the first time I matched earthy mushrooms with my mom's traditional meatloaf, I hit gold. Even my kids, who normally pick mushrooms out, now want extra sauce with their serving.

Key Ingredients and Smart Selection Advice

  • Ground Beef (80/20 blend): This fat level matters a ton - I once tried leaner meat but ended up with dry meatloaf. The 80/20 mix keeps everything moist while still holding together nicely
  • Fresh Mushrooms: Go for cremini mushrooms with tight caps and no moisture. They pack more flavor than regular white mushrooms and make the sauce incredibly rich
  • Fresh Garlic and Onions: These flavor builders should be chopped super fine - I've found that bigger chunks can make your meatloaf fall apart when you cut it

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

  • Bring meat to kitchen temperature before mixing for more even cooking.
  • Chop onions extremely small until they're nearly mushy for better texture.
  • Combine meatloaf ingredients lightly with your fingertips rather than squeezing.
  • Cook a tiny bit of the mixture to check seasonings before forming the whole loaf.
  • Form your loaf with a rounded top so gravy spreads nicely.
  • Cook mushrooms until they're dark golden brown before adding any liquid for deeper flavor.
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Pin it
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | cookbybook.com

As a kid, mushrooms were always what I looked forward to most in any meal. I can still picture my grandma carefully checking them at the store, showing me how to spot firm caps and smell for that woodsy scent. These days, I find myself doing that same careful picking, knowing it's what makes the sauce so special.

Getting Flavors Just Right

Over many years tweaking this dish, I've learned that building flavors in layers really counts. Both parts - the meat mixture and the sauce - need good seasoning separately before they join forces. Adding Worcestershire sauce creates that special something that folks can't quite name but totally love.

Getting Heat Right

  • Start with ingredients that aren't cold from the fridge for better cooking
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check it hits 160°F inside
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Pin it
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | cookbybook.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes that work as the ideal gravy sponge
  • Balance with something tangy like balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts

Next-Day Wonders

  • Turn leftover slices into amazing sandwiches on toasted sourdough bread with extra gravy
  • Consider making twice as much to enjoy tomorrow

Smart Cook's Tricks

  • Don't overmix ingredients if you want a tender texture
  • Make a small groove down the middle of your loaf to hold more gravy
  • When warming up leftover gravy, add a bit of beef broth to keep it smooth

Through countless times making this dish, it's grown beyond just food in our home - it's become part of our family story. The smell filling the kitchen still draws everyone in, just like at grandma's house back then. There's something truly special about a dish that doesn't just fill stomachs but creates lasting family moments around the table.

Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy Pin it
Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this meatloaf the day before?
Absolutely! Mix everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just make the gravy fresh when you’re about to serve.
→ When is the meatloaf ready to eat?
You’ll know it’s done when it hits an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), usually after 50-60 minutes at 350°F.
→ Is it okay to freeze leftover meatloaf?
Of course! Cooked meatloaf freezes well for up to 3 months. Keep the sauce separate for the best flavor.
→ What sides go well with this?
Try mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp green salad for a perfect pairing.
→ Can I swap the ground beef with other meats?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken work for lighter options, or try a mix of meats for more flavor.

Mushroom Gravy Meatloaf

Seasoned beef meatloaf baked to perfection and topped with a creamy mushroom sauce, great for cozy family meals.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatloaf Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon dried oregano
02 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
03 2 large eggs, whisked lightly
04 2 pounds ground beef, fresh
05 Salt and pepper, to taste
06 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 1 cup breadcrumbs
08 ¼ cup ketchup
09 1 onion, diced finely
10 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

→ Mushroom Gravy Ingredients

11 ½ cup heavy cream
12 Salt and pepper, to taste
13 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
14 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 2 cups beef broth
16 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up. As it preheats, grease a baking pan or line a tray with parchment paper so the meatloaf doesn't stick.

Step 02

Throw the breadcrumbs, ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, herbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and a good pinch of salt and pepper into a big bowl. Use your hands to mix until it all just comes together. Don't go overboard—keep it light for a tender loaf.

Step 03

Shape the meat mixture gently into a loaf form and place it onto your prepared baking dish. Bake it in your oven for about 50-60 minutes. You're aiming for a safe 160°F (71°C) inside, so use a thermometer to check.

Step 04

As the meatloaf does its thing in the oven, let's tackle the gravy. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they're soft and golden.

Step 05

Dust the cooked mushrooms with flour and stir nonstop for two minutes. Slowly add the beef broth first, then pour in the cream while you're at it. Keep stirring until the gravy smooths out and thickens, which should take 5-7 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper when it's ready.

Step 06

Pull the meatloaf out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing into nice thick pieces. Spoon the warm mushroom gravy over each slice and get ready for some happy faces at the table.

Notes

  1. For a lighter option, you could swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  2. Pair this dish with classics like mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.
  3. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches the next day—you'll want extra bread!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large mixing bowl
  • A baking dish or tray
  • Parchment paper for lining
  • A skillet for cooking gravy
  • Whisk for mixing gravy
  • Thermometer to check the meat temperature

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Dairy ingredients like butter and heavy cream are present.
  • Contains gluten from flour and breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 499
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 25 g