Meatloaf and Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef 
• 1 cup crackers crumbled any kind or 2 slices of bread 
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg
• 1/4 t. salt
• 1/4 t. black pepper
• 1/4 t. onion flakes
• 1/4 t. Garlic powder 
• 1/4 t. steak seasoning
• 1 diced onion 
• 1 diced green bell pepper 
• 1 can of tomato sauce

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients & mix well.
  
• Shape into an 8" x 4" pan.
• Bake on the center rack for 1 hour or until internal temperature is 160 degrees. Meat should be well done with no traces of pink.
• Once the gravy is done pour on top of meatloaf and bake for 10 minutes more.
• Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

 Just like other types of meat, it's best to let the meatloaf rest before cutting into it. This gives the juices time to redistribute and settle. Slice into your loaf too soon and the juices will seep out, leaving you with a drier meatloaf.

Gravy 

Ingredients

1 cup meatloaf drippings 

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2-3 drops browning and seasoning sauce, optional

1/4 cup cold water + 3 tablespoons corn starch

1 Tablespoon cold unsalted butter

Instructions

• Add the drippings , browning sauce,onion and garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
• Combine the cold water and corn starch in a small bowl with a lid. Shake to combine.
• Bring gravy to a boil. Whisk in cornstarch mixture.  This is called a slurry…you will mix this in to thicken the gravy .
• Decrease to medium low. Continue to whisk to ensure that it blends in smoothly.
  
• Let it gently simmer until its of desired thickness. The longer it simmers, the more concentrated the flavor will become.
  
• Remove from heat. Swirl in one tablespoon COLD butter just before serving. This adds a silky, velvety finish.
• If it’s too thick add a little water at a time to thin out.
• If it gets too thin make a new slurry.