Try this classic meatloaf with oatmeal recipe, packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you baking up a mouth-watering meatloaf that's sure to become a classic family dinner.
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What is meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food made with ground meat, eggs, seasonings, and a simple binder. This Midwest-style version uses oats instead of breadcrumbs, and gives the loaf a subtle nutty flavor, great texture, and a boost of fiber.
It bakes up tender and hearty, topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze that perfectly balances the savory meat. It's old-fashioned, practical, and exactly the kind of recipe that works every time for comfort food.
Why I love this recipe
It is an easy, comforting food, versatile and budget friendly. Meatloaf is great for leftovers and fits the category of a family friendly recipe.
Ingredients Needed
(For the entire list of ingredients and instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this article to reach a printable recipe card)
For the meat mixture:
- Ground beef: Use an 80/20 or 85/15 ratio of meat and fat. I do not recommend lean ground beef, as the meatloaf will be dry.
- Onion: You can use either yellow or white onion.
- Large eggs
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- Garlic powder, onion powder
- Milk: I like to use full-fat regular milk, but if you cannot have dairy, use either water, chicken or beef broth, or plant-based milk, like almond or soy.
- Quick-cooking oats: are my preference in this recipe and are better than old-fashioned rolled oats.
For the meatloaf glaze:
- Brown sugar: Any brown sugar works. Just keep in mind that dark brown sugar will caramelize faster than light one.
- Ketchup: Some people don't like ketchup. You can replace the ketchup with tomato paste. In this case, you will need to add some spices to it, like salt, pepper, onion powder, and a splash of vinegar or a little Worcestershire sauce.
- Mustard: Use your preferred type.
You can find these simple ingredients at your local grocery store.
Tools you need
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How to make this juicy meatloaf
Step 1. To start, preheat your oven to 350F and grease a loaf pan. Use some oil or cooking spray.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, place the chosen ground meat.
Step 3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs briefly with a fork, then add them to the ground meat. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, milk, and oats.
Step 4. Mix all the ingredients together, and then place the mixture into the prepared baking dish. You can use either your hands or a wooden spoon for this step.
Note: If you use your hands to mix the ingredients, make sure to wash them thoroughly before and after you finish.
Step 5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup to make the glaze, and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Note: You can use your favorite glaze recipe instead of the brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard glaze called for in this recipe. Some popular options include barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, or a combination of honey and soy sauce.
Step 6. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the center of the meatloaf.
Expert Tip
How do you know when the meatloaf is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the center of the meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked. It should be 160F (71C).
Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up. Slice and serve warm or hot with your favorite side dish, such as creamy mashed potatoes.
How do you make this meatloaf recipe more interesting?
- Meat: The original recipe calls for ground beef, but I tried ground pork or a combination of beef and pork, or even turkey, and it was delicious.
- Gluten-free: Do you want gluten-free meatloaf? Remove the quick oats and replace them with an equal amount of cooked quinoa or rice.
- Bacon: It would be a good option to wrap the loaf of meat with bacon before you put it in the oven. It is perfect for those who like saltiness and want to add a little more fat to the mix.
- Spices: While this recipe is a classic and doesn't have a lot of spices, you can definitely add your own touch. Minced garlic cloves, thyme, hot sauce, oregano, and chili powder could work. Choose one or two and leave the rest for next time.
What to Serve With Meatloaf
Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a side salad. You can also serve it with sauce or gravy if you prefer. A meatloaf sandwich is also divine for lunch.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Leftover meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
So why not try making this delicious meatloaf with oatmeal for your next family dinner or special occasion? With minimal effort, this easy dinner recipe will be a favorite for the whole family!
More good recipes to try:
📖 Recipe
Classic Meatloaf With Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped finely
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup oats quick oats better than old-fashioned rolled oats
Glaze over the meatloaf:
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard your preference
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Beat the eggs briefly with a fork.
- In a large bowl, place the ground meat and add the chopped onion, eggs, salt and ground black pepper, garlic and onion powder, milk, and oats.
- Mix the ingredients well together.
- Put the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard and ketchup.
- Spread the sauce over the loaf and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve warm or hot with the favorite side dish.
Susan says
My go to
Terri says
Is the serving size REALLY 1g?
Gabriela says
No, it was a glitch in the system. The recipe makes a loaf and you can get about 8 servings/slices out of the meatloaf. Thank you for letting me know. I made a correction.
Cathy says
YUMMY! By far, our favorite meatloaf. I do add finely diced green pepper (because we love it), but kept everything else the same. Made extra sauce too, for our individual slices, ,because the sauce is that perfect for this meatloaf. So happy I found this recipe, it so reminiscent of my childhood meatloaf meals.