Everybody gather ‘round the oven and catch the heavenly aroma of what’s cooking, because there’s only one thing it could be: the almighty meatloaf. Today, we’ll discuss the details of what makes this portmanteau of a dish such a tried and true dinner staple. What are you doing with your evenings if not enjoying a piping hot meatloaf with your friends and loved ones in a Norman Rockwell-esque tableau? Anyway, let’s get living, laughing and loafing and answer the question: What is meatloaf?
What is meatloaf made of?
Meatloaf is a hot baked dish made with ground meat (often a mix of beef, pork, and veal), eggs, seasonings, spices, and bread crumbs. This mix is formed into the shape of a loaf (often with help from a loaf pan) and then baked. And then you glaze it in ketchup for that final flavorful flourish! It’s the perfect ketchup catcher, with many people choosing to make the dish simply as a ketchup delivery system!
When was meatloaf invented?
According to Tasting Table, the earliest known recipes for meatloaf-like dishes date back to the 4th or 5th century AD in Ancient Rome. However, the recipe in the Roman cookbook Apicius (also called De re culinaria or De re coquinaria, depending on who you ask) is not quite the same as the modern meatloaf we enjoy today. It included ingredients such as “animal brains” and things of that nature.
The original American meatloaf dates back to the late 1800s when it was enjoyed as a breakfast food in New England. It really took off during the Great Depression, and by WWII it was a signature American food.
Who invented meatloaf?
As well researched as we try to be here, it’s simply not possible to pinpoint the precise individual who invented meatloaf. It is too ancient of a dish. There could have been cave people gathering around their stone-age dinette sets knocking back a few platefuls of meatloaf (consisting of ground saber tooth tiger rump roast).
But if you want someone to thank, you can tip your cap to the Ancient Roman Caelius Apicius, who is the presumed author of Apicius, the 4th or 5th century book in which the first meatloaf recipe appeared. Thanks, Cael!
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!