Rice Meat Loaf
A hearty rice and ground beef loaf with flavorful seasonings, topped with mustard and tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice, ground beef, eggs, minced onion, minced green pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
- Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking pan.
- Spread the surface of the loaf with mustard and top with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce or ketchup into the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce is a decent alternative. For a different flavor twist, try adding Italian herbs or even some grated cheese to the mix, similar to recipes like Cheese Crowned Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice meat loaf with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or a hearty grain like quinoa also pair nicely. For a comforting twist, try serving it with gravy or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is a great option for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rice meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Meat Loaf contains roughly 784 calories, with 19g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture, as brown rice takes longer to cook. This substitution will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to your meat loaf.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as a binder. For each egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then mix it into the meat loaf ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the rice meat loaf gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check the labels on your tomato sauce and mustard. Most of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it's always good to verify. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).