National Meatloaf Appreciation Day

Comfort in Every Slice: Celebrating Meatloaf Appreciation Day with Good Thyme Gal 🍞❤️

Few dishes feel as nostalgic and soul-satisfying as a classic meatloaf. On October 18th, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, we celebrate this humble, hearty dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. From Sunday suppers to weeknight meals, meatloaf has earned its place as one of the most beloved comfort foods across America , and it continues to evolve with time, flavor, and creativity.

Here at Good Thyme Gal, we believe food should bring people together, nourishing both body and soul. Meatloaf Appreciation Day aligns beautifully with our mission: celebrating simple, equitable cooking that’s filled with flavor, warmth, and love.

🧡 Why Meatloaf Deserves Its Own Day

You might think of meatloaf as an old-fashioned recipe, but it’s actually a timeless classic that continues to adapt to every household’s taste. This dish has roots that date back to ancient Rome, where seasoned meats were shaped into loaves. In the United States, meatloaf became a staple during the Great Depression, when cooks found creative ways to stretch ingredients and reduce food waste , values that still resonate today.

What makes Meatloaf Appreciation Day so special is its spirit of resourcefulness and community. Meatloaf reminds us that delicious meals don’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little good thyme, you can create something nourishing, satisfying, and shareable.

🌿 Why Meatloaf Appreciation Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we’re passionate about equitable recipes, dishes that are budget-friendly, adaptable, and full of heart. Meatloaf is the perfect example of that philosophy. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and open to interpretation: you can make it with beef, turkey, lentils, or even plant-based proteins.

This dish represents what Good Thyme Gal stands for:

• Accessibility: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.

• Community: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal sharing.

• Creativity: Encourages home cooks to experiment with flavors and textures.

Cooking a meatloaf from scratch connects us to generations of home cooks before us, and reminds us that simple food can be the most meaningful.

🍴 Equitable Recipe: Good Thyme Gal’s Classic Meatloaf with a Modern Twist

This equitable meatloaf recipe is all about balance, rich flavor, simple prep, and budget-friendly ingredients. It’s seasoned perfectly with Good Thyme Gal All-Purpose Seasoning for an extra punch of savory goodness.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)

• ½ cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Good Thyme Gal All-Purpose Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

Topping:

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

👩‍🍳 Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix gently until combined, don’t overmix or it can get tough.

3. Shape the loaf: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

4. Make the glaze: Stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the loaf.

5. Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

✨ Good Thyme Tip: Serve your meatloaf with roasted veggies or mashed sweet potatoes for a wholesome, balanced meal.

🥕 Equitable & Sustainable Cooking

This recipe keeps costs low and flavor high, perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what’s available:

• Use lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.

• Swap breadcrumbs for oats or rice for gluten-free needs.

• Add chopped vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to stretch the meal and boost nutrition.

This flexibility reflects the heart of Good Thyme Gal: making good food accessible to everyone.

💚 The Power of Comfort Food

In a world that moves fast, Meatloaf Appreciation Day invites us to slow down, gather around the table, and appreciate the comfort of a home-cooked meal. It’s about more than just food, it’s about connection, care, and gratitude.

When we cook equitably, we honor not only our families but also the larger community that makes every ingredient possible. So this October 18th, let’s celebrate the humble meatloaf a dish that proves that comfort, creativity, and compassion truly belong on every plate.

Because at Good Thyme Gal, we believe that every meal can be a little more meaningful… and a whole lot more delicious. 🍴✨