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How The Great Depression Turned Meatloaf Into The Classic American Comfort Meal It Is Today By Nikki Munoz Aug. 3, 2025 5:39 pm EST

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A classic meatloaf is undeniably an American staple. Made with simple ingredients — most of which are pantry staples — it's easy to quickly whip up and can feed a crowd. It's savory, it's meaty, and, most importantly, it's comforting. Meatloaf's origins actually go all the way back to ancient Rome , but it wasn't until the Great Depression that it became the American comfort meal that it is now.

Meatloaf is a relatively cheap meal. Besides ground meat, all you really need is bread crumbs, ketchup, an egg or two, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Each of these additional items is a kitchen s

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