For Zake's Sake: Mexican MEATLOAF!

Ok, admittedly, Mexican food happens to be my favorite kind of food. I know the last recipe I showed you was Mexican Lasagna, but I'm on a kick and today I have for your eating pleasure - MEXICAN MEATLOAF! I came upon this recipe through my wonderful cook Momma! She makes something almost identical-ALMOST! So, I cannot take credit for this delectable brainchild, but as she can tell you, I'm not very good at following directions, so I had to put my own spin on it. Pretty easy to put together and a big hit! Try it, you'll like it!

You will need:
1.5 lbs ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken or any combination to make up the weight)
2 eggs
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3 chopped green onions
1 can diced tomatoes (I used the kind with zesty green chiles, like Ro-Tel)
1 bag yellow rice/spanish rice/mexican rice
Mexican/Cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro to garnish

Start by cooking your rice. During the final couple of minutes, add the juice of the diced tomatoes to the rice to absorb. Preheat your oven to 375.

Then start to make your meatloaf. Combine your meat and your eggs.

Add 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Add 1 tsp cumin

Add 2 tsps Chili Powder

Here's a second picture so you don't forget to add the second tsp!

Add 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Mix together thoroughly!

(Fear not those of you who do not have a mixer. I actually prefer to mix it with my hands, but for picture taking purposes, it was easier to use my mixer. That said, dig in and get your hands dirty!!!)

Add your green onions and blend until mixed in evenly

Turn out your meatloaf into your baking dish. Using your hand, make an indent in the center of your meatloaf. You will be putting your rice in here, so make sure it's big enough and deep enough to hold all of the rice!

It's hard to see, but your indent should look like this. You could get crazy with your indents and do all sorts of shapes, but I was having a boring night and just did a plain old rectangle.