Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

4.25 from 33 votes
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Get ready for the ultimate Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy! This classic comfort food, elevated by Chef Andrew Curren, is a meal your whole family will love. This meatloaf is so juicy and flavorful that you won’t want to use any other recipe than this one!

If you love easy ground beef dinners, check out my other recipes for French onion Salisbury steak and this beef and sour cream noodle casserole.

Introduction

If you’re craving classic, comforting meatloaf, you’re in for a treat! Chef Andrew Curren’s version takes it to the next level with a sweet and savory apple butter glaze and a rich, creamy onion gravy that puts canned versions to shame.

This dish is incredibly moist and juicy, making it the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect with mashed potatoes or spaetzle. Plus, the recipe makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and save the other for later (or share—no judgment!). For a complete meal, pair it with your favorite veggies—I’m partial to Brussels sprouts!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Wholesome: Half of the ingredients are unprocessed foods, making this a fresh, fit recipe.
  • Affordable: Meatloaf is a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd.
  • Freezer Friendly: This recipe makes two loaves, one for now and one to freeze. Each loaf yields 8-10 slices, perfect for meal prepping and lunchtime meat loaf sandwiches.
  • Versatility: Tailor to your own taste by adding different vegetables and herbs or swap out the creamy onion gravy for your favorite brown gravy.

Ingredients

A top-down view of ingredients for a dish, including meats, cheeses, veggies, spices, and liquids. Items include ground pork, cheese cubes, chopped vegetables, sauces, cream, and fresh rosemary, all labeled on a white surface.

This homemade meatloaf does take a lot of ingredients, but most of them are basic ones you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Let me tell you about the key ingredients…

  • Ground Beef & Pork: Fresh is best! Look for 80% lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful results, and mix in some ground pork for added richness. If you’re feeling fancy, opt for grass-fed beef or heritage pork for a cleaner, more robust taste. Remember, fat = flavor, so don’t go too lean!
  • Chicken Broth: Adds balance to the creamy onion gravy. Beef broth works, but chicken broth makes the onions shine. Use homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
  • Heavy Cream: It’s the key to silky, rich gravy. Half-and-half or whole milk works, but cream is the game-changer.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Ground Meat Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken works, but add olive oil or butter to keep it moist. Trying using ground lamb instead for a moist and delicious option!
  • Mushrooms: Shiitake, Chanterelle, or Maitake mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor with a hint of smokiness. Dice and add 1/2-cup to the meatloaf mixture for additional moisture and flavor.
  • Italian Meatloaf: Add 1/2-cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the meatloaf mixture.

How to Make Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Scroll down for the full printable recipe or stick around for the step-by-step breakdown with photos to walk you through every delicious detail.

1

Sauté Veggies & Mix

The top images show a skillet containing shredded carrots, diced onions, and celery before and after sautéing. The bottom images depict a bowl with ingredients before and after mixing, including added flour and eggs.

Preheat the oven to 400°F, then sauté the veggies in a medium skillet over moderate heat for 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool, then add the eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, Dijon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork to form these components into a paste.

2

Mixing & Baking

Four images showing meatloaf preparation: 1) Mixed ground meats in a bowl, 2) Cubed cheese added, 3) Mixture pressed into a loaf pan, 4) Pan covered with aluminum foil.

Add the ground pork and ground beef, breaking up with your fingers as you drop it into the bowl, then dump in the cubed Monterey Jack cheese and toss with your hands to lightly mix everything together.

Evenly divide the meatloaf mixture between two loaf pans, loosely packing it in. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the lower third of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until they both have an internal temperature of 150°F on an instant-read thermometer.

3

Making the Meatloaf Sauce

Four images show the process of making a dish. Top-left: ingredients in a bowl with a whisk. Top-right: ingredients mixed. Bottom-left: mixture in a rectangular pan with chunks. Bottom-right: smooth mixture in a pan ready for baking.

Make the meatloaf glaze by whisking together apple butter, brown sugar, Dijon, pepper, minced garlic, a pinch of Kosher salt, champagne vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. You’ll have enough of this thick paste to evenly coat both meatloaves.

Liberally baste on the loaves during final 15 minutes of baking, and bake uncovered to hasten browning and to develop a bit of a crust.

4

Cooking the Onions for the Gravy

A collage of four images showing the process of cooking French onion soup: sautéed onions in a pan, onions being stirred with a wooden spoon, flour added to the pan, and broth being poured over the onions.

While the meatloaves bake, make the creamy onion gravy. Sauté the sliced onions in butter and olive oil until softened, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the onions from the pan, leaving the fat behind.

Add the flour to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the flour smells nutty. Add the onions back to the pan, then whisk in the chicken stock and cook until the mixture is thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes.

5

Adding Cream to the Gravy

Four images showing steps in making a creamy soup. Top left: soup simmering in a pot. Top right: cream being poured in. Bottom left: mixture being stirred with a wooden spoon. Bottom right: creamy soup simmering on a stovetop.

Add the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will alter color slightly from golden to white.

6

Blending the Gravy

Four images showing the process of making a creamy sauce. Top left: Sauce in blender. Top right: Blended sauce. Bottom left: Pouring sauce from blender. Bottom right: Wooden spoon stirring thickened sauce in a pan.

Transfer half the onion mixture to a blender and purée until smooth. (Air bubbles during blending will cause it to look very light, but its color will deepen as the gravy reduces.)

Return the purée back into the saucepan with the rest of the mixture, then add the sprigs of rosemary. Reduce down slowly, thickening the mixture over medium-low heat for 20 – 30 minutes. You should end up with 4 to 4 1/2 cups of gravy by the end.

7

Serving the Meatloaf

A plate featuring slices of meatloaf topped with herbs, creamy gravy, and mashed potatoes garnished with rosemary. The food is served on a decorative plate with a green floral pattern.

By now, the meatloaf should be cooked. Let it rest briefly, then plate it on a large serving dish and slice it. Garnish with fresh chopped rosemary and/or parsley. Pass the gravy tableside. Be sure to serve with whipped potatoes, parmesan-crusted potatoes, or any variety of vegetable side dishes.

Recipe FAQs

What is the secret to a moist meatloaf?

Be sure not to over-bake your loaves. Bake to an internal temperature of 160°F ONLY, then rest the meatloaf for 5 to 10 minutes allowing the juices time to reabsorb.

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?

In this recipe, eggs and Panko act as binders to keep the meat from crumbling and cracking.

At what temperature should a meatloaf be baked?

350°F is the rule of thumb for meatloaf as it is too low to dry the meatloaf out, while remaining hot enough to hasten the caramelizing crust on the top.

Can I make meatloaf in advance?

If you’re not serving both meatloaves at once, wrap one in foil and refrigerate for up to three days, or place the foil-wrapped loaf in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, slice the baked and chilled meatloaf thick and brown each slice on both sides in a skillet with unsalted butter for a next-level touch. Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheated over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Table leftovers, including the gravy, will keep just as well in airtight containers.

Serving Homemade Meatloaf with Onion Gravy

Homemade meatloaf with onion gravy pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides that soak up all that rich, savory goodness. Creamy Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes are a natural choice, offering a buttery base for the gravy. Add a bit of color and crunch with these brown butter French green beans or Jamie Oliver’s ‘mothership’ salad. For an indulgent Southern twist, serve it alongside a slice of Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread to round out the meal.

Looking for drink pairings? Rosé wines such as Vin de Pay’s d’Oc, Rosé Corbières, and Saint Chinian are readily available, won’t drain your wallet, and compliment the sugars in the onion gravy magically! Brown Ale or Stout like Guinness beer works beautifully with meatloaf and onion gravy. If you prefer cocktails, try my Iced Apricot Bourbon Fizz. It’s a refreshing balance to all that rich, savory goodness!

A meatloaf topped with gravy, garnished with fresh rosemary, accompanied by mashed potatoes on a patterned plate.

Expert Tips

  • The best way to achieve thin onion slices is by using a mandolin. If you don’t own a mandolin, simply peel the onion back, cut in half from top to root, and use your best chef’s knife to get even thin slices.
  • Cube Monterrey Jack string cheese to save yourself the hassle of having to cube a giant block. 
  • Make Ahead: The meat mixture, glaze, and gravy may be made ahead and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. When ready to assemble loaves, add to loaf pans or baking sheet and bake.
  • Store Leftovers: Wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 3 days, or place a foil-wrapped loaf into a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Use a small amount of unsalted butter or oil to brown both sides of leftover meatloaf slices in a skillet. Reheat onion gravy over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently.

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4.25 from 33 votes

Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chef Andrew Curren of 24 Diner fame in Austin, Texas created this elevated version of his mom's homemade meatloaf with onion gravy. It's such a moist and juicy comfort food that it deserves a standing ovation!
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 16 servings
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Ingredients 

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large pinch kosher salt

For the Meatloaves

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
  • 1 large pinch kosher salt
  • 1 large pinch black pepper
  • 3 pounds ground beef chuck
  • 1 pound ground pork, not pork sausage
  • 1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, cut in 1/2 inch cubes

For the Creamy Onion Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 jumbo onions, about 6 cups, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth, or homemade chicken stock if on hand
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
  • 7-10 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 large pinch kosher salt
  • 1 large pinch black pepper

Instructions 

Making the Glaze & Meatloaves

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Adjust rack to lower third of oven. Prepare two 4x6x12-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Alternatively, line a large roasting pan that can fit 2 meatloaves side by side with parchment in between. Set aside.
  • Whisk together all the glaze ingredients and set aside.
  • Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then set aside to cool.
  • Once the veggies have cooled briefly, add the panko, eggs, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt and pepper and stir with a fork to form a paste. Using your hands, gently work in the ground meats and cheese until combined.
  • Evenly divide the meatloaf mixture between the prepared loaf pans, packing it loosely in the pan. Cover with foil and bake in the lower third of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of each loaf registers 150°F. During the last 15 minutes of baking, liberally baste the loaf tops with the glaze and bake uncovered to hasten browning.
  • Rest loaves for 15 minutes before removing from pans to serving platters. Cut into thick slices and serve with creamy onion gravy, plenty of fluffy mashed potatoes, homemade spaetzle, or homemade dumplings.

Making the Creamy Onion Gravy

  • Melt the butter and heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion slices and sauté covered over medium-low heat, about 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat if the onions begin to brown. Remove the onions from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Add the flour to the grease remaining in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. It will be dry and crumbly.
  • Add the onions back to the pan, then whisk in the chicken stock, reduce the heat, and simmer until the mixture is thickened, 8-10 minutes. Add the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Purée half the onion mixture in a blender until smooth, then pour it back into the saucepan and add the fresh rosemary. Cook over medium-low heat to thicken and reduce it, about 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper as desired. You will end up with roughly 4 to 4 1/2 cups of gravy. Serve hot with the meatloaf.

Notes

  • The best way to achieve thin onion slices is by using a mandolin. If you don’t own a mandolin, simply peel the onion back, cut in half from top to root, and use your best chef’s knife to get even thin slices.
  • Cube Monterrey Jack string cheese to save yourself the hassle of having to cube a giant block. 
  • Make Ahead: The meat mixture, glaze, and gravy may be made ahead and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. When ready to assemble loaves, add to loaf pans or baking sheet and bake.
  • Store Leftovers: Wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 3 days, or place a foil-wrapped loaf into a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Use a small amount of unsalted butter or oil to brown both sides of leftover meatloaf slices in a skillet. Reheat onion gravy over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1980IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 553
Keyword: homemade meatloaf, meatloaf with onion gravy
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

With much gratitude and appreciation, this recipe adapted from Chef Andrew Curren of 24 Diner in Austin, Texas!

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

4.25 from 33 votes (22 ratings without comment)

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29 Comments

    1. Sandra, it tickles me when people are ‘all in’ on this meatloaf. If Food & Wine Magazine hadn’t shared Chef Andrew Curren publicly, I doubt myself and many others would have ever tasted this dish this way. Sure, I’ve adapted it based on my own and my family’s tastes, but this is Drew’s baby…babies…two meatloaves, ha! Thanks for dropping in with the kind comment, Sandra! Jenny

  1. I made this dish several years ago. As I ate it for dinner with my sister and her husband I declared it was the best meal I ever made.
    Be sure to cut the carotts well as I spoke while eating and nearly choked. My sister a nurse did the heimlach maneuver and saved me.
    Then I said to her it was almost the last meal I ever ate. Not sure it was the carrotts or talking while eating.
    Neveretheless one of the finest meals I ever made. 5 stars.5 stars

    1. Marla, dear LORD! Well, I am certainly grateful you are okay! Meatloaf aside, chew well! xoxo – Jenny

  2. It is an okay recipe but I have had and made better. Not a lot of flavor going on in the meatloaf itself but the gravy was nice. Will not make again though.4 stars

    1. Deb, sorry this did not meet expectations at your dinner table. May I inquire as to if you made the recipe as specified, or perhaps omitted or reduced an ingredient(s)? I ask only because I have found this to be a well-seasoned, well-flavored loaf. I wish your experience had been the same. Jenny

  3. WOW!!! This is going to be a regular in our house. Hubby ate too much it was that good. A bit of work to cut up all the veggies but so worth it. Froze 1/2 a loaf, gave 1/2 a loaf to my Mom and ate 2 meals and a snack from this recipe. Thank you for a new meatloaf.5 stars

    1. Alyson-Jo, so hubby liked it, you liked it, but did mom like it? I always wonder how new versions of the good old stuff goes over on mom’s and grandma’s who’ve been cooking the good old stuff for like…FOREVER! Thank you for being kind enough to circle back around and share this sweet comment. I really appreciate any and all feedback ALWAYS! x – Jenny