Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist meatloaf infused with grated apple and cinnamon, topped with a rich herb gravy for a classic American dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, apple, oats for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds ground beef, 1 large apple (peeled and grated), 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup onion finely chopped, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Mix thoroughly with hands.
  2. Step 2: Press the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. Step 3: While meatloaf bakes, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef broth until smooth, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
  5. Step 5: Remove meatloaf from oven, let rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve with gravy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple Cinnamon Meatloaf with Herb Gravy?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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