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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375ºF, creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Mixing Base: Grate onion into a large bowl, then finely chop thyme, infusing the mixture with aromatic herbs and depth of flavor.
- 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.
- Meat Integration: Tenderly fold ground beef into the seasoned mixture, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat, which maintains a delicate texture.
- 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.
- Initial Baking: Roast the meatloaf for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meat to cook thoroughly while developing a rich, savory profile.
- Glaze Crafting: Whisk together ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to create a complex, caramelizing coating.
- 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.
- 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