Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

12 servings
This meatloaf recipe is both classic and innovative — the beef and pork mixture is dotted with cubes of melty cheese, and the finished dish is served with a creamy onion gravy. The recipe makes two meatloaves and can feed a crowd.

Ingredients

  • canola oil
    1 tbsp
  • onion

    finely chopped

    1 large
  • carrots

    finely chopped

    2 large
  • celery rib

    finely chopped

    1
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    2
  • panko bread crumbs
    1 ½ c
  • eggs
    4 large
  • dijon mustard
    2 tbsp
  • ketchup
    2 tbsp
  • worcestershire sauce
    2 tbsp
  • tabasco
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ground beef chuck
    3 lb
  • ground pork
    1 lb
  • monterey jack cheese

    cut into 1/2-inch cubes

    ½ lb
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • white onions

    thinly sliced, about 6 cups

    2 large
  • all-purpose flour
    ¼ c
  • chicken stock or low-sodium broth
    1 quart
  • heavy cream
    1 c
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Scrape mixture into a very large bowl and let cool. Add the panko, eggs, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper, and stir to form a paste. Using your hands, work in ground meats and cheese until combined.

  2. 2

    Line a large roasting pan with parchment paper. Firmly pat meat mixture into 2 loaves, each about 10 inches long. Arrange loaves 3 inches apart on parchment and roast in lower third of oven for about 1 hour, until lightly browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of loaves registers 150°F. Let meatloaf rest for 15 minutes, then cut into thick slices and serve with creamy onion gravy.

  3. 3

    In a large saucepan, melt butter in olive oil. Add sliced white onions and stir to coat. Cover and cook over moderate heat until onions are very soft but not browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and cook, whisking frequently, until gravy is thickened, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and simmer onion gravy over moderate heat for about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Transfer onion gravy to a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Return onion gravy to the saucepan and simmer until reduced to 5 cups, about 5 minutes.

Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

90 min12 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction? This Classic Meatloaf recipe goes beyond the ordinary, offering a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s the kind of dinner that evokes warmth and nostalgia, yet feels fresh and exciting.

What sets this meatloaf apart is the brilliant combination of savory ground beef chuck and pork, elevated by unexpected cubes of melty Monterey Jack cheese tucked right into the loaf. The finely chopped aromatics like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic melt seamlessly into the mixture, adding depth, while the panko bread crumbs and eggs ensure a tender, moist texture. Plus, the rich, creamy onion gravy provides a luxurious, sweet, and savory finish you won't find on typical meatloaf.

Prepare for a truly satisfying dinner experience. You'll enjoy a tender, juicy meatloaf, brimming with the savory notes of beef and pork, and delightfully punctuated by pockets of warm, gooey cheese. The tangy kick from Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe makes two generous loaves, ideal for a large family meal or entertaining, and it comes together in about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, yielding 12 servings.

While this recipe shines as written, you can easily adapt it to your pantry or preferences. For a different cheesy surprise, try cheddar or provolone instead of Monterey Jack. If you prefer a milder kick, reduce or omit the Tabasco. You could also experiment with different ground meats, though the beef and pork blend offers the best flavor and texture. For the creamy onion gravy, you can use either chicken stock or low-sodium broth, depending on what you have on hand.

This robust Classic Meatloaf, served with its exquisite creamy onion gravy, is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive gathering. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Classic Meatloaf Recipe | Only Recipes