Gehaktbrot

Gehaktbrot is a traditional dish in Dutch and Belgian (Flemish) cuisine. It is a loaf made from ground meat, typically beef or a beef-pork mix, mixed with binding ingredients and seasonings, then baked.

Core ingredients include ground meat, soaked bread or breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onions, garlic, and herbs. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg or marjoram are common. The mixture is kneaded until cohesive and then formed into a loaf.

Variants include cheese-filled or bacon-wrapped versions; some recipes add cheese in the center or around the loaf. A glaze of tomato sauce or ketchup is common in many households. It is usually served in slices with potatoes and vegetables or gravy.

Origins and cultural notes: Gehaktbrot is a familiar weeknight dish in the Netherlands and Flanders, with numerous family recipes and regional twists. It reflects the broader European tradition of meatloaf, adapted to local tastes and pantry staples.