This No Ketchup Brown Gravy Meatloaf is a savory twist on the classic comfort dish, made without the traditional ketchup glaze. Instead, it’s flavored with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh thyme, and a rich brown gravy. The Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste add depth, while breadcrumbs and eggs provide a tender texture. The dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or any time you crave a comforting, homemade meal.
Ingredients:
- 2–2 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare the Onion-Garlic Mixture:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 7 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Seasoning and Liquid:
- Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half. This helps concentrate the flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the mixture aside to cool.
4. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Once the onion-garlic mixture has cooled, add it to the bowl.
5. Shape the Meatloaf:
- Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use a loaf pan if preferred, and form the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
6. Bake:
- Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the meatloaf is fully cooked.
7. Make the Brown Gravy:
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the brown gravy using a store-bought mix like McCormick Brown Gravy, or make your own from scratch if preferred.
8. Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle the brown gravy over the top or serve on the side for a delicious, savory meal.
Description and Tips:
This meatloaf stands out for its depth of flavor, thanks to the use of fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and onions sautéed to perfection. Unlike traditional meatloaf recipes, this one skips the ketchup in favor of a savory brown gravy topping, making it rich and hearty.
Tips:
- Onions: Be sure to cook the onions until they’re nicely caramelized. This step adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the meatloaf.
- Tomato Paste: Don’t skip the tomato paste! It adds a subtle richness and umami that deepens the flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs, or make your own by toasting bread and blending it with herbs.
- Rest Time: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure it holds its shape when sliced.
Pair this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a classic, satisfying dinner. The brown gravy complements all sides perfectly!
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