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1990-2009 - American diners and lunch counters of the early 20th century
Traditional meatloaf served as a diner lunch or dinner with classic sides such as mashed potatoes and vegetables. A fixture of 20th-century American roadside, state fair, and lunch counter dining experiences.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Region
American casual-restaurant, supermarket, diner, and weeknight convenience kitchens
Era introduced
1990-2009
Introduced by
American diners and lunch counters of the early 20th century
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The meatloaf plate became emblematic of American diner and state fair cuisine in the early 20th century, particularly from 1900 to 1929. It combined affordable ground meat shaped into a loaf and baked, served with complimentary sides to form a satisfying meal for working-class patrons. Promoted at urban lunch counters and roadside eateries, meatloaf plates helped establish America's diner culture and continue to evoke nostalgic food memories. The recipe reflects the era's focus on hearty, quick, and economical meals.
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