| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 75 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 652 | 41g | 15g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 55g | 1.23g |
Why I Love Australian Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy
Welcoming Australian Cuisine into My Kitchen
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy. It may not be woven into the fabric of my Cuban-Spanish heritage, but one of the beautiful things about being a food-lover is the ability to cross borders and explore flavors from around the world right from my own kitchen in Miami.
I first encountered this delightfully hearty Australian meal during a visit to a friend’s house. The tender meatloaf, smothered in a tangy tomato gravy, was a revelation. Though seemingly a departure from my favored Caribbean and Spanish dishes, the simplicity and depth of flavors resonated with my culinary sensibilities.
From Down Under to South Florida
What’s especially wonderful about the Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy is its soulful, nurturing nature – it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Packed with ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a hearty gravy made from classic ingredients like diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a touch of sugar, this recipe serves up satisfaction in every bite.
Inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone. For this dish, Australian chef Bernard King, known for his flair and fusion of flavors, has proved a useful guide. His love for hearty, satisfying meals definitely strikes a chord with this recipe. Even though he didn’t directly inspire this dish, his philosophy on food and cooking certainly resonate here.
While not directly similar to traditional Spanish or Cuban dishes, I often pair the meatloaf with a side of Cuban-style black beans or a simple Spanish rice. The contrast of flavors harmonize brilliantly, marrying the comfort of Australian cuisine with the zest of my roots.
In every recipe I explore or create, I look to connect it to my life, my experiences, and my loved ones. I hope this Aussie-inspired delight brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- For the Tomato Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the finely chopped onion along with the minced garlic and sauté until they’re soft and translucent.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and combine the ground beef, freshly made breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs. Add in the sautéed garlic and onion, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper accordingly.
Step Three
In a separate small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon mustard for the topping. Set it aside.
Step Four
Shape the meatloaf and place it in a roasting pan or baking dish. Spread the ketchup mixture on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Step Five
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the tomato gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to make a roux.
Step Six
To the roux, add diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and sugar. Stir the gravy continually until it thickens slightly. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the meatloaf slices smothered with the tomato gravy. Enjoy your Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy!
