Meatloaf facts for kids
Meatloaf is a yummy dish made from ground meat (like tiny bits of meat) that's shaped like a loaf of bread. People mix the meat with other tasty ingredients, then cook it by baking it in an oven or sometimes even smoking it.
Meatloaf is most often made with ground beef, which is beef that has been chopped into very small pieces. But you can also make it with other meats like lamb, pork, veal, venison (deer meat), or even poultry (like chicken or turkey).
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What is Meatloaf Made Of?
Meatloaf usually starts with ground meat, but that's not all! To make it extra delicious and hold its shape, cooks add other things. These often include breadcrumbs or crackers, eggs, chopped onions, and different spices. Sometimes, people add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
The eggs and breadcrumbs help to bind the meat together so it doesn't fall apart when it's cooked. The onions and spices give it a lot of flavor.
How is Meatloaf Cooked?
The most common way to cook meatloaf is by baking it in an oven. It's usually placed in a loaf pan, which helps it keep its shape. Baking makes the meatloaf cooked all the way through and gives it a nice crust on the outside.
Some people also cook meatloaf by smoking it. This gives the meatloaf a unique, smoky flavor. After it's cooked, meatloaf is often sliced and served with a sauce, like ketchup or gravy.
Meatloaf Around the World
Meatloaf is a popular dish in many countries, and each place has its own special way of making it!
Meatloaf in Europe
In Germany, meatloaf is called Falscher Hase, which means "false hare." It's often made with a hard-boiled egg inside. In Belgium, it's known as Vleesbrood or Pain de viande. The Czech Republic has a similar dish called sekaná.
Meatloaf in Asia
In the Philippines, there are dishes like embutido and hardinera. Embutido is a steamed meatloaf that can have sausages, eggs, and vegetables inside. Hardinera is a special meatloaf from Quezon province that's often made in oval molds.
Meatloaf in North America
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food in the United States and Canada. It became very popular during the Great Depression because it was an affordable way to feed a family. People often serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Images for kids
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American meatloaf with tomato ketchup
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Czech sekaná.
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Filipino pork embutido.
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The Filipino hardinera meatloaf is distinctively oval due to the use of traditional tin molds called the llanera
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Dalyan köfte with rice pilaf and salad.
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A meatloaf topped with tomato sauce and sliced.
Learn More
In Spanish: Pastel de carne para niños
