Southern meatloaf with brown gravy
Ingredients:
- For the meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
½ lb ground pork (optional for a richer flavour)
1 cup of breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ cup of finely chopped green bell pepper
2 large eggs
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon of dried thyme (optional).
- For the brown gravy:
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the meatloaf mixture.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Leave to stand for 5 minutes to absorb.
Then add the minced beef and pork, onion, bell pepper, eggs, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
Gently mix everything together (don’t overmix or the meatloaf will be dense).
2. Shape and bake.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf tin or on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
Leave to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the brown gravy:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.
Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for one to two minutes until golden brown.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Continue stirring until the mixture has thickened, which should take about 3–5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve!
Slice the meatloaf and drizzle with the warm brown gravy.
Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans or cornbread for a traditional Southern meal.
ENJOY!
