Published 11/22/2019 • Updated 10/16/2024
Hearty Winter Recipes
Who else is craving all the hearty comfort food recipes that come with the change in seasons?! We’re over here loving up on the savory smells of seasonal recipes, like this oh so delicious wild rice meatloaf. It’s great for serving a crowd, or meal prep for the week (it reheats super well!). So, read on, friends!
Wild Rice Meatloaf Ingredients
The following variety of meat, fresh ingredients, seasonings and condiments come together to create the most flavorful meatloaf of your life. Here’s what you’ll need on your grocery list:
Meat
Ground beef Ground pork
Veggies
Yellow onion Mushrooms Large eggs Heavy cream
Grains
Wild rice (read on for our wild rice hack!) Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
Spices
Minced garlic Dried fennel Dried thyme Dried rosemary Ground oregano Salt Ground pepper Garlic powder Ground nutmeg
Condiments
Tomato paste Maple syrup Ketchup Worcestershire Dijon mustard
Wild Rice Hack
If you have time to make wild rice (we have a step-by-step wild rice recipe for both the stove top and Instant Pot!), that’s great! But if you’re looking to save some time making a finicky rice, we recommend the pre-cooked or microwave wild rice packets sold at major grocers. THIS microwaveable wild rice packet from Target is one of our faves.
How to Make Wild Rice Meatloaf
Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray a standard-size loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, and then set aside. Next, place all ingredients (minus 1/4 cup of ketchup, which you will use later!) for the meatloaf into a large bowl and mix until combined. Feel free to use a spatula, but we found it’s easiest to just use your hands to mix everything together. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the loaf pan and pat the meatloaf down into an even layer. Feel free to garnish the top of your meatloaf with additional wild rice by sprinkling and then pressing into the meatloaf mixture.
Bake the Meatloaf
Bake your meatloaf at 350ºF for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the ketchup should be caramelized. Remove meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help ensure that the meatloaf holds together when you slice it and serve. Pro Tip: Depending on the fat percentage of your meat, you may have excess liquid in your loaf pan. Feel free to use as a gravy when serving, or discard — your choice!
Serve and Enjoy!
We love to serve our meatloaf with a veggie and a starch side, such as these roasted brussels sprouts and these baked potatoes.
How to Reheat Meatloaf
This meatloaf reheats super well! Cover the loaf pan with tin foil and bake at 325ºF for 10 minutes or until completely warm. Remove the tin foil and broil for last 1-2 minutes to caramelize the ketchup on top. Feel free to add additional ketchup to your liking.
Can you Freeze Wild Rice Meatloaf?
Yes! First allow the meatloaf to cool completely, and then wrap in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer. This wild rice meatloaf will keep for up to 3 months when stored in an air-tight container or wrap in the freezer. When thawing: allow the meatloaf to thaw completely in the fridge before following the reheating instructions above.
Sides for Wild Rice Meatloaf
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Roasted Brussels Sprouts Roasted Root Vegetables Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Green Beans Almondine
Photos by: The Wooden Skillet
