Description
This Juicy Pinwheel Meatloaf recipe features a flavorful ground beef mixture wrapped around a creamy cheese and rice filling, baked to perfection. The combination of panko breadcrumbs ensures a tender texture, while the cheese spread adds richness and moisture, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing pinwheel-style meatloaf perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko for better texture)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Filling
- 4 oz processed cheese spread (such as Velveeta)
- 1.5 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, salt, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the processed cheese spread with the cooked white rice until well combined, creating a creamy filling.
- Shape the meatloaf: On a large sheet of parchment paper or a clean work surface, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle approximately 9×12 inches, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Add the filling: Evenly spread the cheese and rice mixture over the meat rectangle, leaving about a 1-inch border on one long side.
- Roll the meatloaf: Starting from the long side opposite the border, carefully roll the meat mixture into a tight log, sealing the edges and ends to encase the filling completely.
- Place in baking pan: Transfer the meatloaf pinwheel seam-side down onto a baking sheet or lightly greased loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into rounds to reveal the pinwheel pattern. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs results in a lighter, fluffier meatloaf texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help bind the meatloaf evenly.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps retain its juices and keeps it moist when sliced.
- Feel free to substitute processed cheese spread with shredded cheese if you prefer a different texture.
