Tender Rice Meatloaves

Rosemary Thyme Tender Rice Meatloaves

Heritage Comfort • Moist & Tender • Family Favorite

When we were growing up, my sister used to make what she called “rice balls.”

But what they really were… were the most tender little meatloaves, stretched gently with cooked rice and topped with that sweet, classic glaze.

This is my Rosemary Thyme version — still humble, still cozy… just dressed for Sunday supper.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef

• 1 cup cooked and cooled rice

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup finely minced onion

• 2 Tbsp milk

• 1 tsp Rosemary Thyme Herb Blend

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Optional: 1–2 Tbsp finely minced green bell pepper

Glaze

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional but recommended)

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Rosemary Thyme Herb Blend

• 1 tsp powdered rosemary

• 1 tsp powdered thyme

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

Mix and store in a small jar for easy everyday cooking.

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Instructions

Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Mix gently

In a large bowl, combine:

• ground beef

• cooked rice

• egg

• minced onion

• milk

• Rosemary Thyme Herb Blend

• black pepper

• smoked paprika (if using)

• optional bell pepper

Mix just until combined — do not overmix.

Shape

Form into 8–10 small oval meatloaves (palm-size).

Place on prepared sheet pan.

Make the glaze

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

Spoon or brush over each meatloaf.

Bake

Bake 25–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for that classic sticky top.

Rest

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Kitchen Notes

• Cooked rice replaces breadcrumbs and keeps these especially tender.

• Day-old rice works beautifully.

• These freeze very well after baking.

• Perfect with mashed potatoes and your lemon garlic green beans.

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Rosemary Thyme Blessing

May the meals that come from your kitchen

carry the comfort of memories

and the warmth of those who first taught us to cook.