Meatloaf
(Faschierter Braten, Meatbread, Vleesbrod, Rulo Stefani, Asado Aleman, Pulpeta, Sekaná, Farsbrød, Lihamureke, Hackbraten, Faschierter Braten, Falscher Hase, Rolo, Stefánia Szelet, Polpettone, Kafta, Kofta, Klops, Rolat, Albondigón, Empotido, хучмал, Pieczeń Rzymska, Bobotie, Köttfärslimpa, Dalyan Köfte, Giò, Pain de viande, Falscher Hase)
The ubiquitous meatloaf is a dish celebrated for its simplicity and versatility. It is made with a substantial amount of minced meat, most commonly pork and beef that is bound by eggs or dairy products. Typically, it is placed in a special mold or formed by hand in the popular shape of a log.
After it has been baked, it is usually sliced and served with mashed potatoes or vegetables, all doused in the accompanying juicy sauce. Meatloaf is not a dish that is commonly found in high-end restaurants, nor does it belong to haute cuisine. It is rustic and ordinary, yet incredibly comforting and nutritious.
The history of the meatloaf as we know it today is believed to have its origins in ancient Rome, where a gastronome named Apicius first mentioned the idea of minced meat patties. It is believed that the now traditional loaf-shaped form grew out of the necessity to hasten the process and save time. Read more
Later, to stretch the costly meat, additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs, oats, panko crumbs, and even vegetables were incorporated into the dish. Modern meatloaf is usually associated with the United States. The popular belief is that the American meatloaf was invented and became famous during the Great Depression Era in the 1930s, but the most probable version claims it was a brought over by numerous immigrants who flocked to the United States from Europe.
The reinvention in the United States has coincided with the technical advancements, and the first time meatloaf was mentioned in print was in 1899, near the same time during the invention of mechanical meat grinders. Today, it is hard to find a country which does not have their variety of this classic.
They might vary in the choice of meat, selection of spices, and favorite additional ingredients, but essentially all the various national meatloaf types are interpreted as comforting and economical family meals.
Pairing tips
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey predates bourbon, and it is often dubbed as the original American spirit. It is distilled from a mash that must constitute at least 51% rye, though ... Read more
Recipe variations
Classic Meatloaf
READY IN 1h 50minThe following recipe gives directions on how to make a classic meatloaf with a combination of ground beef and pork. The vegetables are sautéed shortly to accentuate their flavors, and the meat is bound by eggs and breadcrumbs and glazed with ketchup.
Old-fashioned Meatloaf
READY IN 1h 35minThe following is an example of a typical 1950s meatloaf and was adapted from the Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book. The pork and veal are bound with eggs and breadcrumbs and seasoned with sage. At the time, this meatloaf was usually served with mashed potatoes and canned green beans.
Egg and Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf
READY IN 1h 10minEgg-stuffed meatloaves are most commonly seen in Italian and Greek cuisine, and this recipe is more on the Italian side since it involves Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese and mortadella, plus the spinach pairs beautifully with eggs. Additionally, this meatloaf makes for great sandwich stuffing.
Turkey Meatloaf with Mushrooms and Spicy Tomato Jam
READY IN 1h 30minThe following is the recipe for a light yet extra-tasty type of meatloaf. Dark and white turkey meat and shiitake mushrooms are the main ingredients, and the meatloaf is bound with breadcrumbs and generously seasoned. A spicy tomato jam accompanies the meatloaf, the instructions for which are also included in the recipe.
Meatloaf Authentic recipe
The following recipe gives directions on how to make a classic meatloaf with a combination of ground beef and pork. The vegetables are sautéed shortly to accentuate their flavors, and the meat is bound by eggs and breadcrumbs and glazed with ketchup.
WHERE TO EAT The best Meatloaf in the world (according to food experts)
