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Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

Name: Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 85 min
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

Published: Apr 9, 2020 by Blair Lonergan

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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.

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:

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:

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