Introduction
There’s something magical about a plate of Southern Meatloaf with Brown Gravy. It takes me straight back to Sunday suppers at my grandma’s kitchen table, where the air smelled like butter and thyme, and everyone fought for the last spoonful of mashed potatoes. This recipe is hearty, rich, and loaded with flavor — the kind that warms you from the inside out.
Made with ground beef, a hint of pork, and that silky brown gravy, it’s comfort food at its finest. Best of all? It’s simple enough for weeknights but still special enough for family gatherings.
What Makes This Southern Meatloaf So Special
- Bold, savory flavor. The combination of beef, pork, onions, and Worcestershire sauce builds deep, classic Southern flavor.
- Quick and easy. You can prep it in 15 minutes — the oven does the rest.
- Versatile comfort. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and it fits any occasion.
- Viral-worthy goodness. There’s something timeless about this recipe — it’s trending again for a reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Brown Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
How to Make Southern Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
- Preheat the oven. Set it to 350°F and grease a loaf pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the meatloaf base. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands — just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape and bake. Form into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Bake for about 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Make the glaze (optional). In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread it over the meatloaf halfway through baking for a sweet-tangy finish.
- Prepare the brown gravy. While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly whisk in beef broth, add Worcestershire and garlic powder, and simmer until thickened.
- Rest and slice. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Pour the warm brown gravy over the top and serve.
Quick Ingredient Swap Table
| Ingredient | Substitute | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ground pork | Ground turkey | For a leaner option |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers | Adds buttery flavor |
| Milk | Half-and-half | Makes it creamier |
| Ketchup glaze | BBQ sauce | Smokier flavor twist |
What to Serve with Southern Meatloaf
A classic dish like this deserves equally cozy sides. Try pairing it with:
- Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes – the creamy counterpart to rich gravy.
- Southern Skillet Cornbread – golden, buttery, and slightly sweet.
- Creamy Green Bean Casserole – perfect for holidays or hearty weeknights.
For dessert, nothing beats Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake to end the meal on a nostalgic note.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overmix. Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.
- Use a mix of meats. The pork adds moisture and richness that pure beef can’t.
- Let it rest. A 10-minute rest keeps juices inside and slices neat.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this Southern Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix and shape the loaf, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use only beef instead of beef and pork?
Yes — but the pork adds richness. If you use only beef, choose an 80/20 blend for moisture.
3. What kind of gravy works best?
A classic brown gravy made with beef broth complements the flavors perfectly. Avoid packet mixes — homemade is worth it!
4. How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Eggs and breadcrumbs bind the ingredients. Don’t skip them, and don’t overmix.
5. Can I bake meatloaf on a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan?
Yes! A sheet pan gives it crispier edges and helps the fat drain away.
6. What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover slices make amazing sandwiches the next day with a drizzle of gravy.
Conclusion
Southern Meatloaf with Brown Gravy is one of those recipes that just feels like home. It’s savory, comforting, and always brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or Sunday meal, this dish has a way of making any table feel like family.
If you try this recipe, drop a comment below, snap a photo, and share it on TikTok or Instagram with #EasyMealsToPrep. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more cozy Southern recipes every week.
Southern Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for gravy)
- 0.25 cup ketchup (for optional glaze)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
- Form into a loaf and place in the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Optional: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Spread over loaf halfway through baking for a glaze.
- While baking, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and simmer until thickened.
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes after baking. Slice and pour warm brown gravy over top before serving.
