Beef and Pork Meatloaf with Onion Gravy

Prep: 15 minCook: 1 hr 45 min8 servingsmedium
Beef and Pork Meatloaf with Onion Gravy

A classic two-meat meatloaf combining ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, herbs, and aromatics, baked until golden. Rich and savory with a deep beef and wine-based onion gravy finished with butter and fresh parsley. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this version stands out with its wine-enriched sauce that's versatile enough for potatoes, steaks, or pork chops.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 cup breadcrumbs
    panko1:1texture

    neutral

    Full guide →
  • 1 lb beef, ground, lean
    ground chicken1:1protein

    lighter

    Full guide →
  • 1 lb pork, ground, lean
    ground turkey1:1protein

    leaner

  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
    2 tablespoon aquafababinderveganeggs-free

    note: reduces richness

    Full guide →
  • 3 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 clove garlic, chopped or pressed
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup onion, minced
  • 3 tablespoon butter
    oil1:1fatdairy-free

    neutral

    Full guide →
  • 3 tablespoon flour
  • 1 ⅓ cup beef stock
    ground chicken1:1protein

    lighter

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, minced
  • ¼ cup dry red wine
    beef broth1:1liquid

    note: loses wine depth

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. 2

    Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, celery, thyme, pepper, and salt in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Press mixture into a loaf pan.

  4. 4

    Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until cooked through.

  5. 5

    For gravy: saute minced onion in butter until slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir in flour and cook briefly.

  7. 7

    Add beef stock, wine, and minced parsley.

  8. 8

    Simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.

  9. 9

    Spoon gravy over meatloaf slices before serving.

Tips

Tip 1

Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid a dense, tough texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.

Tip 2

For deeper onion flavor in the gravy, cook the onions until golden brown rather than just slightly browned.

Tip 3

The gravy freezes well for up to 3 months, making it ideal to prepare ahead and reheat gently over low heat.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate cooked meatloaf up to 4 days. Gravy keeps separate for up to 3 days. Both freeze for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerated. Gravy can be made 2 days in advance and reheated gently.

Serve With

Slice meatloaf and top with warm onion gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip mincing the onion for gravy to avoid chunks that won't incorporate into the sauce

Watch

Do not skip browning the onion; this develops the depth of flavor that distinguishes the gravy

Watch

Do not rush simmering the gravy; constant stirring prevents lumps and ensures proper thickening

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
oil1:1fatdairy-free

neutral

Full guide →

Vegan Options

egg
2 tablespoon aquafababinderveganeggs-free

note: reduces richness

Full guide →

General Alternatives

breadcrumbs
panko1:1texture

neutral

Full guide →
beef
ground chicken1:1protein

lighter

Full guide →
pork
ground turkey1:1protein

leaner

Full guide →
dry red wine
beef broth1:1liquid

note: loses wine depth

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

Yes, substitute crushed crackers, panko, or oats at a 1:1 ratio. Breadcrumbs absorb moisture and bind the mixture, so omitting them entirely may result in a crumbly loaf; add an extra egg if skipping binder.

What if my gravy is too thin or too thick?

If too thin, simmer longer or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir in. If too thick, add stock 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

How long can I keep this dish, and can I freeze it?

Cooked meatloaf and gravy keep refrigerated for up to 4 days separately. Both freeze for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently at 325F for 20-30 minutes covered.