Guide Note

Meatloaf is one of America's favorite comfort foods. It is traditionally made with ground beef, but the meat part of the meatloaf can consist of ground turkey, chicken, sausage, pork, veal or lamb. During the Depression, thrifty cooks learned to stretch the amount of meat they had by replacing some of it with bread crumbs. The ingredient of bread crumbs is now found in most meatloaf recipes, as it lightens the heaviness of the dish, makes it economical, and helps to bind the wet ingredients with the ground meat. Learn more about making this dish with our page on How to Make Meatloaf.

Fast Facts

1. Made many different ways
2. Adapted from meatballs
3. Formed freehand into loaf shape or cooked in loaf pan
4. Bread crumbs bind the meat together with other ingredients
5. Left over meatloaf can be served in a sandwich
6. Salt, spices, and herbs generally added to give flavor
7. Sauce is traditionally served on top; sometimes just ketchup or barbecue sauce
8. Can be made in oven, microwave or crock pot