Porcupine Meatloaf

This classic, kid-friendly recipe is a fun and hearty dinner that gets its name from the way the rice “quills” stick out of the meatloaf as it bakes.

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice¹
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Tools

• Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inch)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for the sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the meatloaf. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Form the loaf. Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan. Use your hands to form it into an even loaf shape. Spread the 1/4 cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Prepare the sauce. While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
6. Add the sauce. After the initial 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Continue baking. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meat is cooked through. The rice will swell and poke out, creating the “porcupine” effect.
8. Rest and serve. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it moister and easier to cut.