ADVERTISEMENT
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the meatloaf.
– **Sauté the onions and garlic**: In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
– **Mix the meatloaf ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sautéed onions and garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
– **Shape the meatloaf**: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s even in thickness so it cooks evenly.
– **Bake the meatloaf**: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, it might take slightly longer. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
### Step 2: Make the Caramelized Onion Gravy
While the meatloaf is baking, you can start preparing the caramelized onion gravy.
– **Caramelize the onions**: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient; this process takes time, but it’s worth it for the depth of flavor it creates.
– **Thicken the gravy**: Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flour to cook through and form a roux.
– **Add the broth and seasonings**: Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the soy sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more broth to loosen it up.
– **Adjust the seasoning**: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add a little extra soy sauce for umami or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter gravy.
### Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once your meatloaf is done resting, slice it into thick, juicy pieces. Spoon the rich, caramelized onion gravy over the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides. The savory flavors of the meatloaf and the deep, sweet taste of the onions pair beautifully, making each bite a satisfying experience.
### Suggested Side Dishes:
– **Mashed potatoes**: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to soak up the savory gravy.
– **Roasted vegetables**: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans will complement the richness of the meatloaf and gravy.
– **Dinner rolls**: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the gravy.
## Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
– **Don’t overmix the meat**: Overworking the meatloaf mixture can result in a dense, tough loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
– **Use lean ground beef**: While a mix of beef and pork can be flavorful, using lean ground beef will prevent your meatloaf from becoming greasy.
– **Rest the meatloaf**: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it hold its shape when slicing.
– **Add herbs for extra flavor**: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the meatloaf for additional flavor.
## Variations and Customizations
While this **Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy** is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:
– **Add vegetables**: Finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can be mixed into the meatloaf for added nutrition and flavor.
– **Cheese**: Adding cheese to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkling it on top before baking can add a creamy texture and extra flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan are great choices.
– **Spicy kick**: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture or the gravy.
– **Turkey or chicken meatloaf**: For a lighter alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork in the meatloaf. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavors rich.
## Conclusion
**Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy** is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender, juicy meatloaf paired with the rich, sweet caramelized onion gravy creates a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a holiday meal, this dish is bound to impress. Try it today, and enjoy the comforting, mouthwatering flavors of a meal that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
