Meat Loaf With Red Gravy
A hearty meat loaf with a rich tomato gravy, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking savory flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground meat, egg, bread crumbs, minced onion, salt, pepper, and ketchup until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into an elongated loaf.
- Place the meat loaf into a 9x13 inch pan or small roaster.
- Pour tomato soup all around the meat loaf, along with one can of water.
- Slightly mix the water and soup with a fork.
- Cover the pan or roaster with a lid or foil.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 1/2 hours or until juices run clear when forked.
- Baste the meat loaf with gravy once or twice during baking.
- Uncover the last 15-20 minutes to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also enhance the tomato soup with Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meat loaf with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. A side salad can add freshness and balance. It pairs beautifully with Pecan-Topped Coffee Cake for dessert, creating a comforting dinner experience. Consider serving with slices of crusty bread to soak up the savory red gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf With Red Gravy contains roughly 360 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1554mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat loaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just shape it and bake it when ready to serve. You can also freeze the uncooked loaf for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of sugar and seasoning. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce or marinara can work well to maintain the dish's flavor profile.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The meat loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it's cooked through while remaining moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).