Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy for those nights you’re feeling nostalgic and want an easy, filling meal.

Brown Gravy Meatloaf
Last night I sat down & made a meal plan/grocery list. Hopefully I stick to it.
Do you have a meal your mom used to make a lot & you kinda got burnt out on it? That’s meatloaf for me.

But, Bob has been requesting it for months. He specifically said he wanted the kind with gravy, not ketchup/BBQ sauce.
[If you want a barbecue sauce version, try my slow cooker meatloaf.]
I hadn’t eaten meatloaf in probably 15 years (I’m not really happy that I can say I haven’t done something in 15 years..), but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s good.
Meatloaf Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- Ground Sirloin – Sirloin is my cut of choice, but if you have ground round or chuck, those will work too. Sirloin, however, is lean and has a great flavor
- Bread Crumbs – I just use plain bread crumbs but you can switch it up and use Italian or other flavored to change the taste.
- Worcestershire sauce – A super savory sauce, Worcestershire is perfect for meatloaf.
- Egg – The egg helps act as the glue to hold your meatloaf together.
- Salt & pepper – the basics, but so important!
- Onion flakes – Dried onion is great to keep on hand for those days you run out of fresh onion. Or you just don’t feel like peeling, chopping, crying (me!)
- Montreal steak seasoning – Typically a blend of garlic, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper flakes, dill seed, and salt, Montreal steak seasoning adds a lot of flavor.

How to make Classic Meatloaf
Making meatloaf is so easy!
- STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350° F and set out a 8 x 4 pan.
- STEP TWO: To a large bowl, add the sirloin, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Use your hands (I like to wear food safe gloves) to fully combine the mixture. Shape it into a log and place into the pan.
- STEP THREE: Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160°.
- STEP FOUR: Prepare brown gravy to spoon over the top and serve!
Tools to help you make Meatloaf
- Large Mixing Bowl – I’ve had these OXO mixing bowls with grips on the bottoms for years (they were actually a wedding shower gift from my grandma) and they’re my favorite.
- 8″ x 4″ Loaf Pans – I like that this set comes with two pans – one of meatloaf, one for a cinnamon quick bread for dessert.
- Meat Thermometer – You need to make sure that your meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees and it’s safest to check it with a meat thermometer.
- Gravy Boat – You need a gravy boat to pour gravy ALL over your meat and potatoes.

What should I serve with it?
- Brown Gravy – If you don’t want to use a packet, this easy gravy recipe only has FIVE ingredients. If you want to make it with drippings, here’s a “how to make gravy” recipe that uses drippings.
- Mashed Potatoes – You have to have mashed potatoes with meat loaf. HAVE TO.
- Loaded Cauliflower Casserole – If you’re watching your carbs and want to skip the potatoes, I highly recommend loaded cauliflower casserole.
- Roasted Zucchini – I love roasting veggies and zucchini pairs perfectly with meatloaf.
- Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – with only three ingredients and basically zero prep time, this macaroni and cheese is the perfect side dish.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze meatloaf either raw and ready to bake or fully cooked.
If raw, shape the meatloaf in the pan, freeze for approximately 1 hour. Once frozen, wrap in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, press out any air, and freeze. Use it within three months.
If fully cooked, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze.
Either way, make sure you defrost the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Need more beef recipes? Try these:
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Guinness Irish Beef Stew
Click here to view my entire collection of beef recipes.
Originally published August 15, 2011

Thank you for a meatloaf recipe that is not tomato-glazed! Brown gravy is the only way to go!
Ha, agreed! 🙂
Can you use fresh diced onions instead of onion flakes?
Yep 🙂
What about the gravy?
What about it? My gravy recipe can be found here.
I cooked this meatloaf for my family for dinner I made homemade brown gravy and there were none left they truly enjoyed it and it will be on the menu quite often
Thank you, Wanda!
I made this meatloaf a couple of weeks ago and my family of 5 loved it so tonight I am making it again
Thanks Wanda!
Nowhere do you state how to make the gravy?
It’s a separate recipe post that I linked to several times above. Here it is again >> brown gravy recipe.
Love your recipe, have done it a few times. any suggestions how to do it on a smoker, what tempature and how long
I haven’t tried in the smoker (good idea!) But I’d do 325° for about 1.5 hours – however long it takes to get to 165° internally.
I’m making this for my men tonight, fingers crossed they’re both picky eaters. But do I bake the meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Uncovered
I didnt have an hour so I did individual meatloafs in a muffin tin