Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a dish of ground meat that has been mixed with other ingredients and formed into the shape of a loaf, then baked or smoked. The final shape is either hand-formed on a baking tray, or pan-formed by cooking it in a loaf pan. It is usually made from ground beef, although lamb, pork, veal, venison, poultry and seafood are also used.

Ingredients

The meat used in meatloaf can vary, but it is typically ground beef. Other meats like pork, lamb, and veal can also be used. Some recipes may use a combination of meats for a more complex flavor. The meat is combined with other ingredients such as bread crumbs, onions, eggs, and seasoning to create the loaf. Some recipes may also include vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.

Preparation

Meatloaf is typically prepared by combining the ground meat with the other ingredients, shaping the mixture into a loaf, and then baking it in an oven. The loaf can be free-formed on a baking sheet, or it can be shaped in a loaf pan. Some recipes may call for the meatloaf to be topped with a sauce or glaze before it is baked.

Variations

There are many variations of meatloaf throughout the world. In the United States, meatloaf is typically served with mashed potatoes and gravy. In Germany, meatloaf is known as Leberkäse and is often served as a sandwich. In the United Kingdom, meatloaf is often made with sausage meat and served with tomato sauce.

History

The concept of meatloaf has European origins; meatloaf of minced meat was mentioned in the famous Roman cookery collection Apicius as early as the 5th century. Meatloaf is a traditional German, Scandinavian and Belgian dish, and it is a cousin to the Dutch meatball. American meatloaf has its origins in scrapple, a mixture of ground pork and cornmeal served by German-Americans in Pennsylvania since Colonial times.

See also

• List of meat dishes
• Comfort food