Alright, let’s talk about this meatloaf thing, you know, the one with rice in it. I ain’t no fancy cook, but I know a thing or two about makin’ food that fills ya up and tastes good, real good. So, this meatloaf with rice, it’s somethin’ my grandma used to make, and her mama before her, I reckon. It’s good, cheap eatin’, and that’s what matters, right?
First off, why rice? Well, sometimes you ain’t got no breadcrumbs, or maybe you just got a whole lotta rice sittin’ around. Don’t wanna waste nothin’, no sir. Rice works just fine, maybe even better sometimes. It soaks up all them juices and keeps the meatloaf nice and moist. You don’t want no dry meatloaf, that’s for sure. Makes it taste like shoe leather, and nobody wants that.
- Now, what kind of rice you use, that matters. I always use regular ol’ white rice, cooked up nice and fluffy. Don’t use that instant stuff, tastes like nothin’ and gets all mushy. Brown rice works too, I guess, if you’re into that healthy stuff.
- And about the meat, well, you can use whatever you got. Ground beef is the best, but you can mix in some pork or even some ground sausage if you’re feelin’ fancy. Just don’t use nothin’ too lean, you need some fat in there to keep it juicy.
Okay, so here’s how I make it. I take a big bowl and dump in my meat, then I throw in the cooked rice. How much? Well, that depends on how much meat you got. Just eyeball it, you’ll figure it out. Then I add in some chopped-up onions, maybe some peppers if I got ‘em, and definitely some garlic. Can’t have too much garlic, that’s what I always say.
Next comes the seasonings. Salt, pepper, of course. I like to add in some paprika, some chili powder, and a little bit of oregano. Whatever you like, really. It ain’t rocket science. And if I’m feeling like a real chef, I’ll throw in a splash of Worcestershire sauce, if I can even say that word right! It gives it a nice tang. You know, a little somethin’ somethin’.
Then, the secret ingredient, the thing that holds it all together – an egg or two. Just crack ‘em right in there. And if it’s still too loose, I’ll add a little bit of ketchup or tomato paste. That thickens it up real good. Mix it all up, but don’t overmix it, you don’t want tough meatloaf. Just mix it enough so everything is combined, you see.
Now, you got your meat mixture all ready to go. Take a loaf pan, or you know, whatever pan you got, and grease it up good. Then pack in that meat mixture, nice and tight. You want it to hold its shape when it’s cooked. And then, on top, I like to spread on some more ketchup, or sometimes I use BBQ sauce. Gives it a nice glaze and a little extra flavor.
Bake it in the oven, oh, maybe 350 degrees, for about an hour, or until it’s cooked through. You can stick a fork in the middle and see if it comes out clean, that’s how you know it’s done. And then, let it rest for a few minutes before you slice it up. That lets the juices redistribute, makes it even better.
And that’s it, that’s how you make meatloaf with rice. It ain’t fancy, but it’s good, honest food. It fills you up, it doesn’t cost a lot, and it tastes like home. And that, to me, is what good cookin’ is all about. So go on, try it, you might just surprise yourself. And if the kids don’t like it, well, more for you, right? You can always add a side of mashed potatoes, or some green beans, or whatever you got. Makes a good meal, for sure.
Now some folks like to get all fancy with their meatloaf, adding in all sorts of crazy things. But me, I like to keep it simple. Good meat, good rice, good seasonings. That’s all you need. You don’t need no fancy ingredients to make a good meal. Just some love, and a little bit of know-how. And maybe a good appetite, too!
So there you have it, my meatloaf recipe with rice. It ain’t gonna win no awards, but it’ll fill your belly and warm your soul. And sometimes, that’s all you really need. So get cookin’, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. That’s the fun part. You never know, you might just come up with your own special recipe. And if you do, well, be sure to share it with me!
Tags: Meatloaf Recipe, Rice in Meatloaf, Easy Meatloaf, Budget Cooking, Home Cooking, Simple Dinner