Meatloaf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🍽️
meatloaf
[ˈmiːtloʊf ]
Definition
food preparation
Meatloaf is a dish made from ground meat, typically beef, pork, or a mixture of meats, combined with various ingredients such as bread crumbs, minced onions, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into a loaf and baked in an oven, resulting in a dense, flavorful dish that can be sliced for serving. It is commonly served with sides such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or gravy. Meatloaf has a comforting quality and is especially popular in American cuisine as a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Synonyms
ground meat loaf, minced meat loaf.
Examples of usage
- My grandma makes the best meatloaf.
- We had meatloaf for dinner last night.
- He added ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Meatloaf is a classic comfort food.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Origins
- The dish has roots in ancient Roman cuisine, where minced meat was combined with various ingredients to form patties or loaves.
- In the 19th century, meatloaf became popular in Europe and North America as a way to use leftovers efficiently and make meals stretch further.
- Different cultures have their own versions, such as the German 'Hackbraten' or the Italian 'Polpettone'.
Cultural Significance
- In the United States, meatloaf became a staple during the Great Depression as an affordable and filling meal.
- The dish is often considered comfort food, evoking feelings of nostalgia and family gatherings.
- Meatloaf has made appearances in various movies and TV shows, symbolizing home-cooked meals and American family life.
Psychology
- Cooking and sharing meals like meatloaf can enhance social bonds and foster connections among family and friends.
- Nostalgia plays a big role in food choices; dishes like meatloaf can trigger happy memories of childhood and family dinners.
- Food can serve as a coping mechanism; comfort foods like meatloaf may provide a sense of safety and stability in challenging times.
Nutrition
- Meatloaf can be made with various types of meat, including beef, turkey, or lamb, offering flexibility in protein choices.
- Adding vegetables and whole grains can enhance the nutritional value, turning a simple dish into a healthier option.
- Serving meatloaf with sides of vegetables helps create a balanced meal, combining protein with essential vitamins and minerals.
Pop Culture
- The singer Meat Loaf, known for his powerful voice and theatrical performances, shares a name with the dish, further embedding it in popular culture.
- Meatloaf is often referenced in songs and jokes, making it a humorous symbol of a classic American meal.
- Recipes for meatloaf have evolved over the years, incorporating trendy ingredients like barbecue sauce and cheese for modern twists.
Origin of 'meatloaf'
The term 'meatloaf' derives from the late 19th century in the United States, although similar dishes date back to antiquity. It stems from the tradition of shaping ground meat into a loaf for cooking, which allowed for more efficient cooking and easier portioning. The concept can be traced back to various European countries that had their versions of meat mixtures shaped into loaves, including German 'Hackbraten' and Italian 'polpettone'. As immigrants brought these dishes to America, they adapted them with local ingredients and cooking styles. By the early 20th century, meatloaf began appearing in American cookbooks and became a staple during the Great Depression due to its affordability and the ability to stretch a small amount of meat with fillers. Over the decades, recipes varied widely, incorporating different meats, spices, and toppings, making meatloaf a versatile dish beloved by many.