Meatloaf Recipe with Rice for Dinner

Do you remember those cold evenings when a warm dinner smell welcomed you home? For many, that smell led to a fresh meatloaf recipe with rice. But, there’s a twist on this favorite that makes it special – an easy meatloaf recipe with rice. It combines the comfort of meatloaf with the goodness of rice, making it both filling and unique.

At my grandmother’s, dinner ideas were always a topic. She said, “A good meatloaf recipe with rice feeds more than just your body; it feeds your soul.” This recipe has become a favorite in my home. It mixes lean ground beef with rice for moist, flavorful bites. Onions, garlic, and a sweet glaze of ketchup and brown sugar add to the flavor. And with just 10 minutes of prep, it’s easy to make a comforting family meal.

Key Takeaways

• This recipe uses lean ground beef and rice for a wholesome twist on a classic recipe.
• Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Ensuring the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F is crucial for well-done cooking.
• The recipe yields around 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
• Diverse variations enable you to customize the meatloaf to your taste preferences.

Ingredients for the Easy meatloaf recipe with rice

Making the perfect meatloaf starts with picking the right ingredients. This recipe uses a mix of seasonings and add-ins for a moist and tasty result.

Meatloaf Base

The base of this easy meatloaf recipe with rice is 2 pounds of 85% lean ground beef. This keeps the meatloaf moist while it bakes.

• Ground Beef: 2 lbs of 85% lean ground beef
• Eggs: 2 large eggs
• Onions: 1 large chopped onion
• Bread Crumbs: 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
• Milk: 1/2 cup of whole milk
• Garlic: 3 cloves of minced garlic
• Ketchup: 3 tbsp for the meatloaf mixture
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp
• Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper

By mixing these ingredients, you get a tender and flavorful meatloaf. Each part, from the ground beef to the Panko breadcrumbs, is key to the perfect taste and texture.

How to Make meatloaf recipe with rice: Step-by-Step Guide.

When *preparing a meatloaf recipe with rice at home*, start by mixing the key ingredients. Begin with 2 pounds of lean ground beef. Add finely chopped onions to enhance flavor and moisture.

• Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the meat, onions, and your favorite seasonings. Make sure the seasoning is just right for you.
• Soaking Bread: Soak 5 slices of sandwich bread in 1 cup of milk until they’re soft. This step is key for moisture.
• Combining Ingredients: Add the soaked bread and a beaten egg to the meat mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.

After mixing, *shape the mixture into a loaf*. Put the loaf in a loaf pan to keep its shape while baking. Then, prepare a topping sauce.

Mix these ingredients until you get a smooth sauce. Spread it over the meatloaf, making sure all sides are covered. This topping adds a sweet and tangy flavor, making your meatloaf irresistible.

To ensure the *meatloaf cooks perfectly*, bake it for 60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check if the Internal heat level is 160 degrees Fahrenheit to confirm doneness.

Allow the meatloaf to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes after baking. This pause helps the juices redistribute, preventing the loaf from falling apart when sliced. Follow these steps on *how to make meatloaf* and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Getting the cooking time and temperature right is key to baking a perfect meatloaf. A well-cooked meatloaf is moist and full of flavor, making it a true comfort food. To get your meatloaf just right, follow these steps carefully.

Preheating the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the best temperature for most meatloaf recipes, including our easy meatloaf with rice. Preheating makes sure your oven is ready when you put in the meatloaf. It helps cook it evenly and keeps the edges from drying out.

Baking Instructions

When the oven is hot, it’s time to bake the meatloaf. Put your meatloaf in the center of the oven. Bake it uncovered for 1 hour. This lets it cook well without losing its juiciness.

It’s important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the meatloaf’s temperature. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed, enhancing their flavor and texture.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour.
3. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.

By sticking to these cooking times and temperatures, you can become a pro at baking meatloaf. You’ll make a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner.

Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

For a moist meatloaf, focus on the details. Use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for tenderness. Also, don’t overmix the meat to avoid a tough loaf. The right mix of ingredients is key.

Binding the Meatloaf

Good binding is essential for a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Here are some juicy meatloaf tips for binding:

• Milk-Soaked Bread: Milk-soaked bread adds moisture and tenderness. Use whole or 2% milk.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients, keeping the texture consistent.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs absorb moisture and fat, keeping the meatloaf juicy.
• Sauteed Onions: Sauteed onions add flavor and moisture.

Mix the ingredients just until they come together. This prevents a dense meatloaf. Basting with juices during cooking also helps keep it moist.

By following these juicy meatloaf tips, your homemade meatloaf will be moist and flavorful. Every bite will be a delight.

Variations You Can Try

Try new things with your meatloaf. A small change can make a big difference. It can add exciting flavors to your meals.

Spicy meatloaf recipe with rice

Love spicy food? The spicy meatloaf recipe with rice is for you. It uses jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce. This makes your meatloaf hot and tasty.

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences. It’s a fun way to spice up your dinner.

Bison meatloaf recipe with rice

Want a leaner meatloaf? Try the bison meatloaf recipe. Bison meat is leaner than beef. It’s a healthier choice without losing flavor.

This meatloaf is juicy and tender. It has a unique taste that’s worth trying.

French Onion meatloaf recipe with rice

hThe french onion meatloaf recipe is a tasty twist. It has caramelized onions and French onion soup flavors. It’s made easy with Lipton onion soup mix.

This meatloaf is rich and beefy. It will impress everyone with its complex taste.

Perfect Side Dishes for Meatloaf

Choosing the ideal side dishes can enhance your meatloaf dinner. Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables are great choices. They add flavor and texture, making your meal unforgettable.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for meatloaf. Their smooth texture soaks up the meatloaf’s juices. Adding cream cheese, garlic, or honey can make them even better.

But, be careful not to over-mix them. This can make them gummy. Also, don’t forget to season them well. You can use different potatoes like russets or Yukon golds for the best texture.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are another excellent choice for meatloaf. Carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts add color and flavor. Roasting them brings out their sweetness and gives them a crispy outside.

To roast them, just toss them in olive oil, add salt and pepper, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This method keeps their nutrients and makes them taste great, adding a healthy touch to your meal.

Adding sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables can make your meatloaf dinner more comforting and complete. These dishes are easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

FAQ meatloaf recipe with rice

Can meatloaf be made with rice?

Yes, meatloaf can be made with rice. Cooked rice can be used as a binder or filler in meatloaf recipes, adding moisture and texture while providing a unique twist on the classic dish. It’s important to use cooked rice and mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Can I use rice instead of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Rice can replace breadcrumbs in meatloaf. Use an equal amount of cooked rice as you would breadcrumbs. Rice helps absorb excess moisture and adds bulk to the meatloaf without making it dense. However, ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the meat mixture.

What not to put in meatloaf?

Avoid adding ingredients that could make the meatloaf too wet or dry, such as:

• Excess liquid: Too much milk, sauce, or oil can make the meatloaf soggy.
• Overwhelming spices: Strong flavors like cayenne or excessive garlic might overpower the meat’s natural taste.
• Raw vegetables: Adding raw vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini) can release water during cooking, leading to a mushy texture. Instead, sauté them first.
• Too many fillers: Overloading the recipe with breadcrumbs, rice, or oats can result in a dry or crumbly loaf.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

The key ingredients that keep meatloaf from falling apart are eggs and a binding agent like breadcrumbs, cooked rice, or milk-soaked bread. Eggs act as a natural binder, holding the meat and other ingredients together. Breadcrumbs or soaked bread help absorb excess fat and juices, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape while staying moist. Proper mixing (without overworking the meat) also prevents the loaf from becoming tough or crumbling.

“Bring comfort to your dinner table tonight with this easy meatloaf recipe with rice! Follow our simple steps, try a delicious variation, and enjoy a family favorite. Start cooking now!”