• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Seafood
  • Sides
  • Dessert
The Seasoned Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » What We're Eating » Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

    Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

    Published: Apr 9, 2020 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Long collage image of Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal
    Overhead shot of two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes
    Overhead image of meatloaf with oatmeal on a blue and white plate
    Front shot of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans
    Meatloaf recipe with oatmeal on a blue and white dinner plate with mashed potatoes and green beans

    This old-fashioned Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal is a simple, easy dinner that comes together with just 10 minutes of prep! It's a family-favorite that only requires a handful of pantry staples. Pair the world's best meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or your other favorite sides for a cozy and nourishing meal any night of the week!

    Front shot of a classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes dinner on a wooden table

    How to Make a Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal | 1-Minute Video

    Meatloaf has stood the test of time! It's a classic family dinner that everyone at the table can agree on, made with affordable, hearty ingredients, and ready with minimal effort. My kids have come to love this meal just as much as I do, so the traditional recipe is a regular in our kitchen.

    What is meatloaf?

    Meatloaf is a dish made with ground beef and a variety of other seasonings and binders, which is then shaped into a loaf and baked. You can shape the loaf by hand and cook it on a flat pan, or you can prepare meatloaf in a loaf pan (as shown here). Ground beef is the traditional meat used in a meatloaf; however, you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a "meatloaf mix" consisting of ground beef, ground pork and ground veal.

    Once meatloaf is cooked, it can be sliced like a loaf of bread and served in individual portions. Paired with your family's favorite sides, it's an easy dinner recipe that makes everyone happy!

    Two slices of meatloaf recipe with oatmeal on a blue and white dinner plate

    How to make a Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal:

    This particular old-fashioned meatloaf with oatmeal comes together with just a few basic pantry ingredients, which you probably already have on hand! Here's what you'll need to make the best meatloaf recipe...

    Ingredients:

    • Ground beef
    • Oatmeal
    • Onion
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Salt and pepper
    • Garlic powder and onion powder
    • Milk
    • Eggs
    • Ketchup

    Why make a meatloaf recipe with oatmeal?

    Most meatloaf and meatball recipes include breadcrumbs, stuffing mix, cooked rice or oatmeal. Any of these will work, so you can certainly substitute oatmeal for breadcrumbs, as you'll see in this recipe. These fillers help to keep the texture of the meatloaf light, and help to absorb (and therefore retain) more moisture in the meatloaf so that it doesn't become dry.

    Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

    Milk is added to meatloaf to soak the oatmeal. Soaking the breadcrumbs or oats in milk creates a "panade," which acts as a binding agent and (more importantly) prevents the meatloaf from drying out. The milk activates the starch in the oatmeal to form a gel. This behaves similarly to a fat by lubricating the meat's protein fibers and preventing them from becoming tough.

    Step 1: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients

    In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, oats, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, milk and egg. It's not glamorous, but I find that it's best to just get in there and use your hands to mix it all together!

    Ingredients for meatloaf recipe with oatmeal in a large bowl

    Step 2: Transfer the Meat Mixture to a Loaf Pan

    Place the ground beef mixture in a greased loaf pan.

    Process shot of making old fashioned meatloaf in a loaf pan

    Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

    Bake the meatloaf (uncovered) in a 350 degree F oven for about 1 hour.

    Step 4: Add the Ketchup on Top

    Tilt the pan to drain off the grease, and then spread the ketchup on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes.

    Spreading ketchup on top of meatloaf

    Step 5: Slice and Serve

    Allow the meatloaf to sit and rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice the meatloaf into individual portions and serve!

    Plate of old fashioned meatloaf on a wooden table

    What to serve with Meatloaf with Oatmeal:

    This classic comfort food deserves equally delicious, cozy companions! Here are a few sides that go well with meatloaf:

    • Cheddar Bay Biscuits
    • Party Potatoes
    • Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
    • Jiffy Corn Casserole or Secret Ingredient Jiffy Cornbread
    • Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
    • Creamed Peas
    • Make Ahead Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • Crispy Seasoned Oven Roasted Potatoes
    • Southern Collard Greens
    • Easy Broccoli Casserole
    • Apple and Butternut Squash Casserole
    • Cornbread Stuffing
    • A simple green salad dressed in Buttermilk Dressing

    Preparation and Storage Tips:

    • Prep Ahead! You can assemble the meatloaf in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, allow the meatloaf to come to room temperature on the counter for at least 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
    • Have leftovers? You can freeze the meatloaf before or after cooking! Wrap cooked meatloaf tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrapped properly, the cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 days. The leftovers are great on a meatloaf sandwich!
    • How to Reheat Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe baking dish and add 1 tablespoon of beef broth or water. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatloaf is warmed through.

    Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:

    • Use your hands to gently combine the meatloaf mixture. Be careful not to over-mix the meat, or it will become tough and dry.
    • I use 85% lean ground beef, which works well to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. Leaner ground beef has a tendency to dry out more in the oven.
    • I prefer quick oats in this recipe because the oatmeal blends right into the meatloaf and you don't even know that it's there. You can substitute with old-fashioned rolled oats, but the larger, coarser oats will have more texture in the meatloaf.
    • Like meatloaf with cheese? Add a handful of grated cheddar (or other good melting cheese) to the meatloaf mixture!
    • Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal: Use 2 pounds of ground chicken instead of the ground beef. I recommend using ground chicken that has some fat in it (rather than just ground chicken breast) so that the meatloaf doesn't become too dry. You can do the same with ground turkey!
    • You do not need to cover the meatloaf while it's baking.
    • You'll know the meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F and the juices run clear.
    Overhead shot of meatloaf and mashed potatoes on a wooden surface

    More meatloaf recipes that you might enjoy:

    • Crock Pot Meatloaf
    • Turkey Meatloaf
    • Healthy Mini Meatloaf
    Front shot of a classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes dinner on a wooden table
    Print Pin
    4.6 from 10 votes

    Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

    This old-fashioned Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal is a simple, easy dinner that comes together with just 10 minutes of prep!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Classic Meatloaf Recipe, Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal, Old Fashioned Meatloaf
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
    Resting Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 418.9kcal
    Author Blair Lonergan

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs. ground beef (I use 85% lean)
    • ¾ cup uncooked quick oats
    • 1 small onion, finely diced
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • Dash of pepper
    • ¾ cup milk (I use 2%)
    • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
    • ¼ cup ketchup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Gently combine all ingredients except ketchup in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased loaf pan.
    • Bake (uncovered) for about 60 minutes, or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and juices run clear. Tilt the pan to drain off the grease; spread ketchup on top, and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
    • Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

    Video

    Notes

    • Prep Ahead! You can assemble the meatloaf in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, allow the meatloaf to come to room temperature on the counter for at least 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
    • Have leftovers? You can freeze the meatloaf before or after cooking! Wrap cooked meatloaf tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrapped properly, the cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 days. The leftovers are great on a meatloaf sandwich!
    • How to Reheat Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe baking dish and add 1 tablespoon of beef broth or water. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatloaf is warmed through.
    • Use your hands to gently combine the meatloaf mixture. Be careful not to over-mix the meat, or it will become tough and dry.
    • I use 85% lean ground beef, which works well to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. Leaner ground beef has a tendency to dry out more in the oven.
    • I prefer quick oats in this recipe because the oatmeal blends right into the meatloaf and you don't even know that it's there. You can substitute with old-fashioned rolled oats, but the larger, coarser oats will have more texture in the meatloaf.
    • Like meatloaf with cheese? Add a handful of grated cheddar (or other good melting cheese) to the meatloaf mixture!
    • Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal: Use 2 pounds of ground chicken instead of the ground beef. I recommend using ground chicken that has some fat in it (rather than just ground chicken breast) so that the meatloaf doesn't become too dry. You can do the same with ground turkey!
    • You do not need to cover the meatloaf while it's baking.
    • You'll know the meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F and the juices run clear.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/6 of the meatloaf | Calories: 418.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.5g | Protein: 34.1g | Fat: 25.6g | Saturated Fat: 10.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 157.8mg | Sodium: 1041.6mg | Potassium: 97.2mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 2.8g
    « Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
    Nacho Casserole »

    Follow The Seasoned Mom on Instagram and show us what you're making! Use hashtag #theseasonedmom

    LIKE THIS POST? THEN STICK AROUND!

    GET FREE EMAIL UPDATES WITH EASY, QUICK-PREP RECIPES THAT ELIMINATE MEALTIME STRESS!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    Powered by ConvertKit

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kimberly

      April 09, 2020 at 8:17 am

      This meatloaf looks delicious! I've been craving comfort food and it looks like this will fit the bill.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 09, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        Awesome! I hope you love it, Kimberly! We're definitely all about the comfort food lately, too. 🙂

        Reply
        • Ellie

          April 12, 2020 at 10:04 am

          5 stars
          So good
          Instead of ketchup I use mild salsa

          Reply
          • Blair

            April 12, 2020 at 12:10 pm

            Great tip for a less sweet option! Thanks, Ellie! 🙂

            Reply
        • Mary

          October 27, 2020 at 8:10 pm

          What if I can't have milk

          Reply
          • Blair

            October 28, 2020 at 5:54 am

            Hi, Mary! If you can't have milk, you can substitute with another liquid like low-sodium beef broth (or even water).

            Reply
      • Rose

        November 05, 2020 at 9:08 am

        5 stars
        Love love this ! Is a win win in my household of picky eaters . Simple is best with this THANK YOU !

        Reply
        • Blair

          November 05, 2020 at 1:22 pm

          That's so good to hear, Rose! Thank you!

          Reply
    2. Shirley Tucker

      April 12, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      This is similar to how my mother made Meatloaf. Except the ketchup. Really dislike ketchup. I use a mixture of tomato sauce, brown sugar and cider vinegar.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 12, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        That sounds good too, Shirley! 🙂

        Reply
      • Jolene

        November 11, 2020 at 7:23 pm

        That’s really cool that you make a homemade ketchup For it! Much healthier

        Reply
    3. Taylor Campot

      April 22, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and it was a hit! My family loved it and it was super easy! Delicious. Thank you so much Blair! Your recipes are the best!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 23, 2020 at 5:27 am

        Yay! So glad that your family approved, Taylor! 🙂 It's one of our favorites, too. Total comfort food!

        Reply
    4. Sherri

      April 29, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      There are no amounts or quantities listed for the ingredients

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 29, 2020 at 7:06 pm

        Hi, Sherri! There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post that lists all of the specific measurements for the ingredients. I've copied and pasted the details below, too:

        2 lbs. ground beef (I use 85% lean)
        ¾ cup uncooked quick oats
        1 small onion, finely diced
        1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
        2 teaspoons salt
        ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
        ¼ teaspoon onion powder
        Dash of pepper
        ¾ cup milk (I use 2%)
        2 eggs, slightly beaten
        ¼ cup ketchup

        Hope that helps! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Susan

      June 08, 2020 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      I really appreciate your explanation of the inclusion of the milk in this recipe. I never heard of panade before. Makes perfect sense! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 08, 2020 at 5:26 pm

        Thanks, Susan! I'm glad that you found it helpful. I try hard to explain why certain ingredients are important, because I know that a lot of folks like to make substitutions (which is usually fine). Thanks for taking the time to leave me a note!

        Reply
    6. Kay Ramers

      June 14, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best meatloaf I have ever made and at 68 I have made LOTS
      Of meat loaves! Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 14, 2020 at 8:22 pm

        Thank you, Kay! I'm so glad that you liked it. It's my favorite, too! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Cindy

      August 06, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      If I were to use the foil mini-loafpans, what temperature and time for cooking would you recommend? Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 06, 2020 at 1:49 pm

        Hi, Cindy! I haven't actually tested it myself, but I would bake the mini meatloaves at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Pauls

      September 09, 2020 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      Came out delicious! Very moist, I added an extra egg I also used soy sauce in place of Worcestershire because I didn’t have any , my oats had cinnamon and also added some Locatelli cheese. Was even good as leftover. I didn’t top with the ketchup because I like it with gravy.

      Reply
      • Blair

        September 09, 2020 at 2:10 pm

        Wonderful! Thanks, Pauls!

        Reply
    9. Lisa

      October 04, 2020 at 10:36 pm

      Went in wet as anything, came out DRY, I'm going to try a recipe w a mixture of meats, beef, pork, maybe veal? Needed ketchup w this recipe

      Reply
      • Blair

        October 05, 2020 at 5:14 am

        Hi, Lisa! It will definitely work with a variety of meats if that's your preference. It shouldn't come out dry, though. Sounds like it was just overdone? Or did you use really lean beef? Sorry that it didn't work for you.

        Reply
    10. Kris

      December 15, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      I used instead ground lamb and ground beef mixed and I used a diced bell pepper in it, no ketchup nor sauce in mine.

      Reply
    11. Lori Cohen

      January 14, 2021 at 8:39 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent. Love the explanations and straight-forward recipe ...and the tips! This recipe is so forgiving (I had to use old fashioned oats but pulverized them a bit, dry, in the food processor first).
      I've also made this with half 85% lean ground beef and half "meatloaf mix," sold blended in packets in the ground-meat section, typically a blend of veal, beef and pork. Very flavorful as well.

      Reply
      • Blair

        January 15, 2021 at 5:15 am

        So glad that you enjoyed it, Lori! Thanks for taking the time to come back here and let me know!

        Reply
    12. Deb

      January 27, 2021 at 9:54 pm

      if i freeze it before baking, i know i need to let it thaw before baking. would you recommend overnight in frig and then 30 minutes on counter before baking? Or will it need more than overnight in frig? I am prepping this for my in laws to bake at their convenience and I want to make sure i have specific instructions for them.

      Reply
      • Blair

        January 28, 2021 at 5:17 am

        Hi, Deb! Yes, I would do exactly what you said. Allow at least 24 hours in the fridge to thaw, then sit on the counter at room temp for 30-60 minutes before baking. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Rebecca Belnap

      February 01, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe. I made it as written and everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • Blair

        February 02, 2021 at 5:13 am

        That's great, Rebecca. Thank you for letting me know!

        Reply
    14. Karin

      February 14, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      If using 90% lean beef, do you increase the wet ingredients such as the milk and eggs?

      Reply
      • Blair

        February 14, 2021 at 3:07 pm

        Hi, Karin! No, I wouldn't increase the wet ingredients. You could just use the 90% beef and keep everything else the same (it should still be fine), or if you like a little bit more fat to the dish, add a bit of melted butter or olive oil. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Leah

      March 12, 2021 at 1:08 pm

      1 star
      Sorry! But, this was the worst meatloaf I've ever tasted. Nothing personal, I just wanted to let others know that this is simply not good. Not a single person (out of 5) thought it tasted good. I followed the recipe exactly.

      Reply
    16. Sherry

      May 09, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      My husband and I have made this meatloaf twice together - it is an excellent recipe!

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 09, 2021 at 6:31 pm

        Thank you, Sherry! I'm so glad to hear that! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Virginia

      August 22, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      Fabulous recipe....it is my go to recipe.
      At your supermarket, if you have the opportunity to purchase the meat mixture combination of beef, veal and pork, then you should know that those combination meats will work just great with this recipe.
      I love meat loaf more than steak.
      I dearly love a meat loaf sandwich, mayo on soft white bread.....any time of the day and that means breakfast too!!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 22, 2021 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks, Virginia! Yes, I agree -- the "meatloaf mix" is definitely a great option. And I'm with you...meatloaf is one of my comfort food favorites! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Cheryl Frances Valentine

      October 18, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      I hate to be a Debbie Downer; but when I got all the ingredients together; I noticed how "MUSHY" it was. Way too much milk. I had to add a LOT MORE oatmeal...I just hope it doesn't taste like oatmeal. I'm giving it away. 🙁

      Reply
    19. Gina Brown

      March 12, 2022 at 5:19 am

      This is the exact recipe my Mom used and I have been looking for it for awhile. Âge passes seau and and i dont know where her recipes went. Thanks for posting! I will be making this soon!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        March 12, 2022 at 5:24 am

        Oh, good! I hope you enjoy it, Gina!

        Reply
    20. Christine @ myblissfulmess.com

      May 07, 2022 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      I have used oats in meatloaf several times in the past and love it. Some folks might think "ewww oatmeal in mealoaf?!" But honestly, you don't taste the oats. It acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together, not to mention the health benefits of oats are almost limitless. This meatloaf recipe is easy and quick to put together and has wonderful traditional flavor. I used 93% lean ground beef with excellent results. Love it!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        May 07, 2022 at 12:07 pm

        Thank you, Christine. I really appreciate your kind note, and I'm glad that you love the meatloaf! 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Blair!

    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

    Read More

    Want Quick-Prep Recipes?

    Sign up for my exclusive emails and get this free guide!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    No spam guaranteed. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

    © 2017–2022 The Seasoned Mom     About     Privacy