Meatloaf is a beloved American comfort food that consists of ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, formed into a loaf shape and baked until golden brown with a sweet-tangy glaze on top.

The dish gained widespread popularity during the Great Depression as a way to stretch meat by mixing it with cheaper ingredients like breadcrumbs. It became a staple of American home cooking in the 1950s and remains a classic family dinner option today.

Making meatloaf starts with thoroughly combining ground beef with sautéed onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into a loaf and topped with a glaze typically made from ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce before baking until cooked through.

Creative variations include using different types of ground meat like turkey or pork, adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or incorporating different seasonings and glazes. Some cooks wrap their meatloaf in bacon or stuff it with cheese for extra flavor.

In American households, meatloaf is often served as a hearty main dish alongside mashed potatoes and vegetables. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day, sliced and served either cold or reheated.

While delicious, traditional meatloaf can be high in saturated fat and sodium. Health-conscious cooks might opt for leaner meat, whole grain breadcrumbs, and extra vegetables. Those with gluten sensitivities can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a binding agent.