Hearty Family-Favorite Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe

When hunger strikes and comfort calls, this irresistible oatmeal meatloaf recipe promises a hearty meal that satisfies every craving.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with rolled oats, creating a moist and flavorful dish that breaks away from traditional preparations.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Rich with savory seasonings and packed with wholesome ingredients, the meatloaf offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of protein and texture that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The secret lies in using old-fashioned oats, which bind the meat beautifully while adding a subtle nutty undertone.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this meatloaf is about to become your new go-to dinner star.

Serving Ideas for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Comfort Plate Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes create a classic partner that soaks up the delicious meatloaf glaze perfectly.
• Farm-Fresh Side Selections: Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add vibrant color and nutritional balance to the hearty main dish.
• Tangy Condiment Corner: A zesty homemade coleslaw or crisp green salad with light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the meatloaf and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Family-Style Presentation: Slice the meatloaf at the table and let everyone serve themselves, creating a warm and inviting dining experience that encourages conversation and sharing.

Storage Notes for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Refrigerator Shelf Life: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping flavors fresh and texture intact.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes or oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165ºF for food safety.
• Smart Meal Prep: Slice entire meatloaf before storing, making grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner options convenient for busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 85 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean cut ensures a tender, juicy meatloaf without excessive grease, choose 85-90% lean for optimal texture and flavor.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, select fresh whole milk for richness.

• Quick-Cooking Oats: Creates lightweight texture and helps hold meatloaf together, use fresh rolled oats for best results.
• Eggs: Acts as natural binder, ensure eggs are room temperature for even mixing.

• Onion: Provides sweet undertone and depth, choose fresh, firm white or yellow onions.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces herbaceous notes, select bright green sprigs with strong fragrance.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use high-quality coarse salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground preferred.
• Dry Mustard: Introduces tangy undertone, store in cool, dark place.

• Ketchup: Provides sweet base for coating, choose thick, rich variety.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, complex flavor to glaze.
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami depth.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for extra kick, adjust to personal heat preference.

Kitchen Tools for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly and comfortably.
• Box Grater: Perfect for quickly grating onions with large holes.
• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Ideal for shaping and baking the meatloaf evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing the meatloaf after baking.
• Spatula: Crucial for smoothing meatloaf mixture and spreading glaze.
• Small Bowl: Useful for preparing the glaze mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.

Cooking Directions for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Oven Preparation

Set oven rack in middle position and warm to 375 degrees.

• Flavor Foundation

Grate onion and chop fresh thyme into a large mixing bowl. These ingredients create a robust base for the meatloaf’s taste profile.

• Binding Elements

Mix together oats, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and mustard. Blend ground beef gently into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.

• Initial Baking

Transfer mixture to loaf pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 45 minutes until meat starts to develop a golden exterior.

• Glaze Magic

Whisk ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce into a vibrant coating.

• Final Bake and Finish

Pour glaze over meatloaf, spreading evenly. Return to oven and bake an additional 10-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees and glaze caramelizes.

• Resting and Serving

Allow meatloaf to rest in pan for 15 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired. Transfer to cutting board and slice into hearty portions.

Tips & Ingredient Variations for Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Grate carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the mixture to add moisture, nutrition, and hidden vegetable goodness for picky eaters.
• Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried herbs like oregano, or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the meatloaf's classic taste with unexpected warmth and depth.
• Prepare the entire meatloaf up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to cook, saving precious time during busy weeknights.

Hearty Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty meatloaf with rolled oats brings classic comfort to dinner tables across North America. Home cooks can quickly prepare this protein-packed dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 eggs (large)
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 medium onion (white or yellow)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper hot sauce (Tabasco, optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375ºF, creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Mixing Base: Grate onion into a large bowl, then finely chop thyme, infusing the mixture with aromatic herbs and depth of flavor.
3. Binding Ingredients: Blend quick-cooking oats, whole milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and dry mustard into a unified, smooth base that will provide structure and moisture to the meatloaf.
4. Meat Integration: Tenderly fold ground beef into the seasoned mixture, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat, which maintains a delicate texture.
5. Pan Arrangement: Carefully transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the surface to promote uniform cooking and an appealing presentation.
6. Initial Baking: Roast the meatloaf for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meat to cook thoroughly while developing a rich, savory profile.
7. Glaze Crafting: Whisk together ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to create a complex, caramelizing coating.
8. Glazing and Finishing: Remove meatloaf from oven, generously spread the glaze, then return to bake until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF and the surface becomes glossy and caramelized.
9. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes, letting juices redistribute, then carefully transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve warm, showcasing the harmonious blend of ingredients.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Mixing: Fold ground beef gently to prevent tough, dense texture; overmixing can make meatloaf rubbery and compact.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Glaze Caramelization Technique: Watch glaze closely during final baking to achieve golden-brown color without burning; rotate pan if needed for even caramelization.
• Resting Importance: Allow meatloaf to rest 15 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg