Meatloaf with brown gravy is comfort food at its very best!  This meatloaf is incredibly moist and loaded with flavor from ground chuck, fresh thyme, garlic, and onion, and is topped with a brown mushroom gravy that just takes it over the top.  Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans, and use the leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches the next day.

Hands holding platter of meatloaf with mushroom brown gravy.

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Growing up, my mom and grandma would make meatloaf all the time.  

They’d usually make Italian-style meatloaf with tomato sauce which is equally delicious, but sometimes a change is good.

This meatloaf with brown mushroom gravy reminds me of one you’d get in an Irish pub and is absolutely fantastic.

The flavors from the fresh thyme, mushrooms, and white wine in the gravy are just perfect with the meatloaf.

I’ll usually serve this brown gravy meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy stovetop mac and cheese. A side of garlic green beans or roasted carrots works well too.

If you enjoy the mushroom gravy and ground beef combo, check out my recipe for Salisbury Steak – these are basically mini meatloafs!

So simple but so good!

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Ingredients shown: mushrooms, onion, flour, garlic, worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, beef stock, milk, eggs, white wine, breadcrumbs, and ground beef.

How to make it

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

  1. Preheat your oven to 400f and set the rack to the middle level. Mince one medium onion and grate 2 cloves of garlic. Mince a 1/4 cup worth of parsley and slice 1 pound of mushrooms.  Remove the leaves from thyme sprigs dividing 2 teaspoons for use in the meatloaf, and 1 teaspoon for the gravy.
  2. In a large bowl add 2 1/2 pounds of ground chuck, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 2 large beaten eggs, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 cup of milk, and the onion, garlic, parsley and the 2 teaspoons of thyme.  Mix using your hands to form a 9-inch long by 5-inch wide loaf.
Meatloaf with brown gravy recipe process shot collage group number one showing chopped mushrooms, mixing the meatloaf mix, meatloaf in a pan uncooked, and cooked meatloaf in pan.
  1. Move the loaf to a baking dish and bake for 60-70 minutes.  
  2. Check your meatloaf for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the deepest part of the loaf.  The meatloaf will be done when it reaches 160f.  Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing into it.  
  3. While the meatloaf is resting, make the gravy.  Heat a large pan to medium heat and sear the mushrooms in 6 tablespoons of the meatloaf pan drippings.  Note: For beef chuck, there will most likely be more than 6 tablespoons of pan drippings.  For leaner beef or turkey, add butter to make up the difference.
  4. Cook the mushrooms until they release their water and it evaporates then add a 1/2 cup of dry white wine and cook for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until it reduces by half.
Recipe process shot collage group number two showing raw mushrooms in pan, cooked mushrooms in pan with wine being added, flour added to pan, finished gravy in pan.
  1. Turn the heat back down to medium and add 6 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 minutes or until the flour turns golden (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Add 3 cups of low-sodium beef stock and bring to a boil while whisking to incorporate all of the flour.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the remaining thyme leaves.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  If the gravy is too thick, add some more water or stock.  If it’s too thin, raise the heat to high and reduce until it reaches the desired consistency.  Slice your meatloaf and top it with the gravy.  Enjoy!
Slices of meatloaf with mushroom brown gravy in white platter.

Top tips

  • The meat. I used 80/20 ground chuck for this meatloaf.  Since there is a higher fat content, it helps prevent the meatloaf from drying out.  While I do recommend using 80/20 chuck, if you wanted to use leaner ground beef or turkey, you can do so.
  • Mixing the meatloaf. Don’t overmix the meatloaf but just mix it until it’s well incorporated. If while you’re mixing you find the meatloaf is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to the mix. 
  • Let it rest. When the meatloaf comes out of the oven, let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.  This will prevent your meatloaf from falling apart and it will retain all of the moisture.  During resting, you will have the perfect amount of time to make the brown mushroom gravy.
  • The gravy.  I added a 1/2 cup of dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, to the gravy because it adds so much flavor.  You can omit the wine entirely to make it alcohol-free.  If you’ve used a stovetop-safe pan to cook your meatloaf, you can transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board to rest and make the gravy directly in the same pan.  Just be sure to remove any extra drippings (you only need 6 tablespoons for the gravy).
Meatloaf with gravy in blue plate.

More comforting meals you’ll love

Meatloaf with mushroom gravy is at the top of the list of comfort foods along with these other classics!

  • Italian beef stew – chuck beef braised with carrots, celery, and mushrooms in a red wine sauce.
  • Beef Stroganoff – seared steak and mushrooms in a tangy cream sauce with buttery egg noodles.
  • Shepherd’s pie – the classic made with ground lamb, carrots, and peas in a Guinness sauce topped with creamy, crispy mashed potatoes.
  • Baked chicken and potatoes – chicken pieces and potatoes roasted with garlic, onion, parsley, and oregano.
  • Sloppy Joes – tangy ground beef sandwiches that are messy but worth it!
  • Chicken fricassee – hearty stew with chicken braised in a white wine cream sauce with carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms.

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Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

5 from 48 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Meatloaf with brown gravy is a comforting meal made with ground chuck, fresh thyme, garlic, onion, and parsley. It's topped with mushroom brown gravy and is perfect with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients 

For the meatloaf

  • 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck
  • 4-5 slices day old bread turned into 1 cup of breadcrumbs, see notes
  • 1/4 cup parsley minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves only
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 medium onion minced
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

For the brown mushroom gravy

  • 6 tablespoons pan drippings
  • 1 pound mushrooms sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups low sodium beef stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves only

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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400f and set the rack to the middle level.
  • Gently mix all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a large bowl. Form an approximately 9-inch long by 5-inch wide loaf and place it into a baking dish.
  • Bake for 60-70 minutes or until meatloaf reaches 160f with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the loaf.
  • Once the meatloaf has achieved the 160f internal temp, remove it from the oven and wait 15-20 minutes before cutting so that the meatloaf stays together. During the resting time, prepare the brown mushroom gravy below.

For the brown mushroom gravy

  • Heat a large pan to medium heat and sear the mushrooms in 6 tablespoons of the meatloaf's pan drippings.
  • Cook the mushrooms until they release their water and it evaporates. Add a 1/2 cup of dry white wine and cook for 2 minutes on medium-high heat until it reduces by about half. Turn heat back down to medium and add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until all of the flour turns golden brown).
  • Add the beef stock and thyme and bring to a boil while whisking to incorporate all of the flour. Once boiling lower the heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more stock or water. If too thin just raise the heat to high and reduce until satisfied. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pulse stale bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs or use a clean coffee grinder.  Store-bought plain breadcrumbs (1 to 1 1/4 cups) can also be used.
  • If the meatloaf mix is too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs to the mix.
  • Make sure to let the meatloaf sit for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into it so that it stays together.  While the meatloaf is resting, use that time to make the gravy.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.  Reheat in the oven at 350f until warm or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 664kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.8g | Protein: 42.6g | Fat: 42.3g | Saturated Fat: 16.2g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 1310mg | Potassium: 974mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 5.4g | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 7mg

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

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5 from 48 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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121 Comments

  1. Chris Kelly says:

    I have been searching for that diner/soul satisfying meatloaf recipe why do so many have ketchup, or barbecue sauce? This recipe is a home run. I added a little red wine( a mild, Spanish blend) to the gravy, and the meal was culinary cosmic. Served with broccoli (steamed with oil and garlic) and au gratin potatoes ( ok, out of a box), just absolutely delightful. I did go with low fat chopped meat and ground pork as a base for the meatloaf. One could argue this was not only delicious, but healthy!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Chris, I’m happy to hear you liked this one and that it gave you the satisfaction you were searching for! Thanks for leaving a comment!

  2. Heather Van Der Male says:

    5 stars
    Oh my word! This recipe was soooo good! I used dried Thyme and Parsley, since that’s what I had on-hand, and I also used premade breadcrumbs. I made 1.5x the gravy (since the family LOVES gravy) and I used baby bella mushrooms. I served with my homemade mashed potatoes and it was a hit. The family went NUTS, and they’re not big meatloaf fans! I’ll definitely try it with fresh Thyme next time, but other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing! Thanks for always being so thoughtful in your recipe breakdowns. I find your recipes so easy to follow. Thanks for a “keeper,” Jim!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Heather, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one and that you find the recipes to be helpful and easy to follow, that is my goal! Really appreciate the comment, thank you!

  3. Carol Roedel says:

    5 stars
    Perfect as written! I always made the ketchup-on-top meatloaf. This was so good! I never have to change a thing with your recipes. Always as written, always perfect! And your instructions are so easy to follow. The big decision is always what recipe to try next! This afternoon I’m making the lemon blueberry ricotta cake. I am so happy I found you!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Carol, thanks for the comment and so happy you’re enjoying the recipes! We’re happy you found us!

  4. Pete Simmel says:

    H
    ey Jim. I was wondering if I could use chicken instead of beef broth

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Pete, you absolutely can use chicken broth for this one!

  5. Aye says:

    Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!!

    1. Jim says:

      Thanks so much for the comment and so happy you enjoyed!

  6. Patty says:

    5 stars
    Seeing my husband will not eat tomato based meatloaf, this is how I make mine. This is a great recipe!!!

    1. Jim says:

      Thanks for the comment, Patty and so happy you like the recipe!

  7. Debi Pierce says:

    5 stars
    Good comfort food for a cold night (3° F). Hubby loved it. Thank you!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Debi, so happy you enjoyed and thanks for the comment!

  8. David says:

    Once again a hit Jim!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi David, so happy you enjoyed this one and appreciate the comment!

  9. Jackie Berkey says:

    5 stars
    Just joined group. Love your recipes and instructions. My family is really happy I found your page. Loved this one -too new for advice but will get better thanks to you! See you soon for another try.

    1. Jim says:

      Thanks for the comment, Jackie, and so happy you and your family are enjoying the recipes!

  10. Karen Rosen says:

    5 stars
    This meatloaf is so delicious! So much so it’s the only one my son tried and liked! Thank you

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Karen, thanks for the comment and so happy you and your son enjoyed the meatloaf!

  11. carol says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I am not a big meatloaf fan, but i am now thanks to this recipe. Love the flavor of this meatloaf and gravy! I will definately make this again!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Carol, so happy we were able to convert you to a meatloaf fan! Thanks for the comment!

  12. Michael Descy says:

    5 stars
    This is a fantastic recipe for meatloaf and mushroom gravy. I cooked it last night, following the recipe exactly. Here are some thought I have about the recipe:

    The ground beef I used (85% lean/15% fat, which was the closest I could find to 80/20) released only two tablespoons of fat and no other useable drippings. Making the gravy with mostly butter worked out perfectly, though.

    In my experience, the step “Cook the mushrooms until they release their water and it evaporates” took a much longer time than I expected. The mushrooms released a ton of water, and I had to turn up the heat to high for quite a while to reduce it. In the end the gravy turned out perfectly. To save some time, I recommend starting to cook the mushrooms while the meatloaf is still in the oven.

    Fresh thyme is the star of the show here. It, and the entire tablespoon of Worstershire sauce (which is more than I usually use), are game changers for my meatloaf game.

    I found that, when covered with some aluminum foil, the meatloaf stayed quite warm for 20-30 minutes after I took it out of the oven. It had a dark crust on the outside and was soft and tender inside. I love the crust

    Thanks for the great recipe, Jim.

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Michael, thanks for the awesome comment and assessment of the recipe! I’m sure this will help other readers decide if they should make the recipe, so really appreciate that!

  13. Brian says:

    5 stars
    Hi Jim, obsessed with your recipes. We made this tonight and it was fantastic, we have a lemon thyme plant so I used that in the gravy. We also added garlic rosemary mashed potatoes as a side and it was a flavor explosion. Love the youtube videos.

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Brian, I’m so happy you’re enjoying the videos and recipes. Really appreciate the comment and love the addition of garlic rosemary mashed potatoes – sounds delicious!

  14. Frank Zullo says:

    5 stars
    Jim, not only are your recipes great but the tips you throw in along the way are so very helpful. Thank you! from a fellow Long Islander.

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Frank, thanks for the comment and I’m so happy you’re finding the tips to be helpful!

  15. Encarnacion Bautista says:

    5 stars
    It looks delicious , I will try .

  16. Denise Tereno says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely the best meatloaf ever!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Denise, so happy you enjoyed the meatloaf! Thank you for the comment!

  17. Joyce Marmaro says:

    Can’t wait to make this great sounding meatloaf,need to get a few ingredients for the recipe first

  18. Norma Blaisdell says:

    5 stars
    Your tealways great cipesf

  19. Linda says:

    5 stars
    Excellent! Always a favourite. Instructions are perfect.

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Linda, thanks for the comment and so happy you liked it!

  20. Penny Kitner says:

    5 stars
    #2 in the instructions says to add 2tsp thyme to the meat loaf.
    But the ingredients show 1tsp for the meatloaf and one for the mushroom sauce? Which is it? Love your recipes!!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Penny, the instructions and recipe card indicate to add 2 teaspoons of thyme to the meatloaf mixture and 1 teaspoon to the gravy. Happy you’re enjoying the recipes!