BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF

I bet your Mama added ketchup to her meatloaf. That was the recipe we were used to when growing up, but today we know better. 

Brown Gravy Meatloaf

In this meatloaf recipe without ketchup, you will learn how to make it from scratch without ketchup but getting the same results. You will not miss it.

This recipe uses tomato paste to give it the acidity and tomato flavor we are all used to, but without all the preservatives present in bottled ketchup. Worcestershire sauce gives it a nice punch of flavor too, as well as garlic, thyme, and onions.

You can use a pan or free-form it just like I did, which gives it a more rustic look. Brown gravy is the final touch on this delicious meatloaf recipe with no ketchup added.

You can make the gravy yourself using drippings from the cooked meatloaf, or just buy a brown gravy mix to make your life easier.

HOW DO YOU MAKE BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF FROM SCRATCH?

1. preheat oven to 350F
2. In a medium-sized skillet, heat one tbsp olive oil, and brown diced onions, about 7 minutes. When brown, add chopped garlic and cook for two more minutes. Add tomato paste, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Mix in the chicken broth and cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until reduced to half the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, add ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs
5. When cooled, add tomato-onion mixture to the bowl
6. Mix everything very well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form the meat mixture into a loaf. (you can use a loaf pan too)
7. Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until fully cooked. Make brown gravy while meatloaf is baking. (I used Mccormick brown gravy mix)

WHY DOES MY MEATLOAF FALL APART?

Make sure it is thoroughly cooked before taking it out of the oven. Also, the use of eggs and breadcrumbs binds the meat mixture together.

If this fails, you may need to add a bit more breadcrumbs to the mix.

Make sure all ingredients are well mixed with the meat before shaping the loaf. Using a pan is a perfect way to prevent meatloaf from falling apart.

If you free form it, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it. If you slice it while too hot, it may fall apart.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF MOIST?

By adding breadcrumbs, you make sure the meatloaf stays moist while baking. Also, try not to use meat that is too lean. A little fat is necessary to keep it moist.

HOW TO SERVE BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF?

Just slice it and serve it with the gravy on top. When you take it out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes and then slice it. Pour the hot gravy on top.

CAN MEATLOAF WITHOUT KETCHUP BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

Definitely. I even think it’s better when made ahead of time. When the meatloaf cools, it holds its shape together better. You can slice it while cold and then heat it in the microwave.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH GRAVY MEATLOAF?

Generally, meatloaf is served with mashed potatoes and gravy on top of both, but you can serve it with french fries or mini potatoes boiled and pan-fried in a little butter and parsley. Add a salad and you have a complete meal.

OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• CHEESEBURGER MEATLOAF (KETO / LOW CARB)
• BEST TACO MEATLOAF
• CROCKPOT MEATLOAF

No Ketchup Brown Gravy Meatloaf Recipe

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2-2 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onions
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ tsp chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cups breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs

Instructions

• preheat oven to 350F
• In a medium-sized skillet, heat one tbsp olive oil, and brown diced onions, about 7 minutes. When brown, add chopped garlic and cook for two more minutes. Add tomato paste, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce
• Mix in the chicken broth and cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until reduced to half the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In a mixing bowl, add ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs
• When cooled, add tomato-onion mixture to the bowl
• Mix everything very well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form the meat mixture into a loaf. (you can use a loaf pan too)
• Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until fully cooked. Make brown gravy while meatloaf is baking. (I used Mccormick brown gravy mix)

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