Meatloaf (Beef, Veal, Pork with Brown Gravy)

This is a perfectly seasoned meatloaf covered with a homemade brown gravy that only takes minutes to make. Onions are what makes this meatloaf recipe taste as good as it does. Not undercooked crunchy onions, but tender, super sweet onions that practically melt into the meatloaf. So make sure in the first part of this recipe you take the time to really cook the onions down. With a side of mashed potatoes and peas, you'll have a delicious meal the family will love.

2½ lbs meatloaf mix (pork, veal and beef combination)
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup onions, diced
1½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1½ Tbsp. garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 Tbsp. tomato paste or purée
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup chicken broth
¾ cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten

Brown Gravy:
3 cups beef stock or broth (can add in some meat drippings if you have them)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1½ tsp. beef base, such as Better Than Bouillon
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
¼ cup water mixed with 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
splash heavy cream (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. (You can also use a piece of parchment paper)

Make the Meatloaf:
Add the oil to a skillet over medium heat.

Add the onions, salt and pepper and cook for 7-8 minutes until slightly caramelized and softened.

Add the garlic, stir and cook for a minute longer, then add the thyme, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.

Work the tomato paste into the onions and garlic, then pour in the chicken broth and stir. Let the chicken broth reduce for 1 minute and then turn the heat off and remove the skillet from the burner to cool.

To a large bowl, add the meatloaf mix along with the eggs and breadcrumbs. Once the onion mixture has cooled, add it to the bowl with the meat and mix to combine.

Form the meat into a loaf shape and place on the prepared pan.

Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes. Check the meatloaf after 50 minutes to see if it's cooked through, this will depend on the size and shape you made your meatloaf.

Make the Brown Gravy:
Add all the ingredients except the cornstarch and water mixture to a pot. Whisk together and bring to a boil.

Pour in the cornstarch mixture while whisking to prevent any lumps.

Bring the gravy back to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add in the cream if using, then serve.

To Serve:
When the meatloaf comes out of the oven, pour the gravy over the top of the meatloaf or slice the meatloaf and serve the gravy on the side.