For the singer, see Meat Loaf.

A meatloaf is a meat dish consisisting of seasoned ground meat (usually ground beef or a combination of ground beef with veal, lamb or pork), which is formed into loaf shape and baked. During the Great Depression it was popular to add cereal grains to the meatloaf to stretch the meat; this has now been adopted by people who wish to eat a lower-fat version of meatloaf. Fish is used in a similar manner in Southeast Asian and Central American cuisines where it is mixed with rice and baked in loafs. It is often served warm as part of the main course, but can also be found sliced as a cold cut. It is in many respects similar to pГўtГ©, which is generally more finely ground, however. The meatloaf can either be placed on a baking tray or in a mold. The result is usually shaped like a loaf of bread, but other shapes, e.g. heart shapes are possible.

Meatloafs have likely been around as long as ground meat. Many meatloaf recipes are adapated from meatball recipes in the northeast of America. Many of these recipes call for pasta sauce or tomato sauce to be poured over the loaf to form a crust during baking. In the midwest of America the pasta sauce has been replaced with simple ketchup but is prepared in a similar manner. In Texas barbecue sauce is used. Cafeterias in the University of California system have had turkey meatloaf on their menus since at least the early 1990's.

Meatloaf is an extremely versatile dish. The ground meat is frequently mixed with breadcrumbs or small pieces of bread soaked in milk, red wine (or another liquid), or oatmeal, and eggs in order to make it more dough-like. Salt, herbs and spices, such as parsley, as well as chopped vegetables, such as onions and celery may also be added. Furthermore, meatloaves may be filled with eggs, cheese, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, or a combination of these ingredients. Meatloaf is best eaten with some kind of sauce or relish. The dish can be considered Italian (it is a cousin to the meatball), Middle American, or even soul food.

Because of the potential hodge-podge of ingredients, meatloaf is a popular food in comedy, and usually portrayed as being ruined by a lack of cooking skill.

See also

• Head cheese
• PГўtГ©
• Sausage

External links

• Recipes at the wiki cookbook
• The Meatloaf Pages
• Meatloaves at recipe sourceja:ミートローフ