Meatloaf

Easy Meatloaf Recipe with Rice and Vegetables | American Style

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that is loved by many for its hearty and satisfying flavors. This recipe combines ground beef or bison with rice, vegetables, and cheese to create a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

History

Meatloaf has been a staple in American cuisine for decades, with variations of the dish appearing in cookbooks as far back as the late 19th century. Originally made as a way to stretch meat further during times of scarcity, meatloaf has evolved over the years to become a beloved comfort food dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef or bison
0.5 cup cooked rice
2 tbsp egg mix + 0.25 cup water (or 1 egg)
0.5 cup grated carrot
1 cup grated cheese, divided
0.25 cup chopped onion
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp pepper
salt to taste
1 cup tomato sauce, divided

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef or bison, rice, egg, carrot, 0.5 cup of cheese, onion, and seasonings. Mix well.
Place the mixture in a loaf pan, top with 0.5 cup of tomato sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 1.5 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) in the center of the loaf.
Remove from the oven. Pour off any excess juice, top with the remaining cheese and tomato sauce, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, uncovered.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef or bison.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients for the meatloaf thoroughly to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to the proper temperature and is safe to eat.

- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort food meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatloaf in a loaf pan helps to keep the shape of the dish and allows the flavors to meld together as it cooks.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cooked rice on hand, you can substitute breadcrumbs or oats in its place.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Top the meatloaf with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This meatloaf pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this meatloaf recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this meatloaf recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this meatloaf recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this meatloaf recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This meatloaf recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This meatloaf recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

This meatloaf recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This meatloaf recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a mix of ground beef or bison, rice, vegetables, and cheese, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. I had always loved meatloaf, but I had never attempted to make it myself. My grandmother had been making it for years, and it was always a family favorite.

I remember watching her in the kitchen, mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices together with her hands. She had a special touch when it came to cooking, and I was always in awe of her culinary skills. As she shaped the mixture into a loaf and placed it in the oven, the savory aroma filled the house, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I couldn't wait to learn how to make meatloaf just like my grandmother. So, one day, I asked her to teach me her recipe. She smiled and agreed, happy to pass down her knowledge to the next generation.

She began by explaining the importance of using high-quality ingredients. She told me that the key to a delicious meatloaf was to use a good quality ground beef with a high fat content. This would ensure that the meatloaf was juicy and flavorful. She also stressed the importance of using fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Next, she showed me how to combine the ingredients in the right proportions. She explained that the breadcrumbs acted as a binder, holding the meatloaf together and giving it a nice texture. The eggs served a similar purpose, helping to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the meatloaf.

As we mixed the ingredients together, my grandmother shared some of her cooking tips with me. She taught me how to season the meatloaf with a blend of spices, including salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. She also showed me how to add Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Once the mixture was well combined, my grandmother shaped it into a loaf and placed it in a baking dish. She then showed me how to make a simple glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard together. She spread the glaze over the meatloaf, giving it a sweet and tangy finish.

As the meatloaf baked in the oven, my grandmother and I chatted about cooking and shared stories from her past. She told me about the different recipes she had learned over the years, and how each one held a special place in her heart. I could see the joy in her eyes as she passed down her knowledge to me, and I felt grateful to be learning from such a skilled cook.

When the meatloaf was finally done, my grandmother took it out of the oven and sliced it into thick, juicy pieces. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in. We sat down at the table and enjoyed a delicious meal together, savoring each bite of the savory meatloaf.

From that day on, I knew that meatloaf would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my grandmother and the generations of cooks who had come before her. I was grateful to have learned her recipe, and I knew that I would cherish it for years to come.

As I reflect on that day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for my grandmother and the knowledge she passed down to me. Her meatloaf recipe will always be a treasured part of my cooking repertoire, a reminder of the love and tradition that she instilled in me. And whenever I make meatloaf for my own family, I will think of her and the joy we shared in the kitchen that day.