Quick & Tasty Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Oatmeal meatloaf elevates ordinary ground meat into a hearty, nutritious dinner that surprises even picky eaters.

Home cooks appreciate this versatile dish for its simple preparation and comforting flavors.

The humble combination of oats and meat creates a tender, moist texture that elevates traditional meatloaf techniques.

Nutritional benefits shine through with whole grain additions that pack extra fiber and subtle nutty undertones.

Families love how quickly this meal comes together after a long day of work or school activities.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods make this recipe accessible for novice and experienced chefs alike.

Deliciousness awaits those willing to break away from standard meatloaf expectations.

Dinner Oatmeal Meatloaf Packed with Hearty Goodness

• Customize Comfort Meal: This meatloaf transforms classic comfort food with surprising ingredients like quick-cooking oats, creating a tender and moist texture that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: With simple prep steps and straightforward mixing, this recipe takes just over an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious and fast dinner solutions.
• Flavor-Packed Glaze Magic: The homemade glaze combines ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, delivering a tangy-sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully and adds depth to every bite of the meatloaf.
• Smart Ingredient Swap: Using oats instead of breadcrumbs introduces a nutritious twist, adding fiber and creating a lighter, more digestible meat mixture without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients to Make an Oatmeal-Infused Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides the main protein and structure of the meatloaf, choose meat with around 90% lean for best texture and flavor.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together, whole milk provides richer taste.

• Quick-Cooking Oats: Serves as a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs, helps keep the meatloaf moist and adds nutritional value.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf together, provides structure and richness.

• Onion: Fresh grated onion adds depth and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf, white or yellow varieties work best.
• Fresh Thyme: Provides an aromatic herb flavor, enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Kosher Salt: Seasons the meat and balances the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the meatloaf.
• Dry Mustard: Contributes a tangy background note to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Dijon Mustard, Light Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce: Creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Instructions That Walk You Through from Bowl to Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set oven rack in middle position. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Grate onion using large box grater holes into large mixing bowl. Chop fresh thyme leaves finely.

Step 3: Combine Mixing Ingredients

• Quick-cooking oats
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Dry mustard

Step 4: Blend Meat Mixture

Add ground beef to mixture. Gently combine ingredients using hands until evenly mixed. Transfer to 9×5-inch loaf pan. Smooth top with spatula.

Step 5: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Light brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce (optional)

Step 6: Initial Baking

Bake meatloaf for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Apply Glaze

Remove meatloaf from oven. Pour glaze over top. Spread evenly with spatula. Return to oven.

Step 8: Final Baking

Bake until glaze caramelizes and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 10-25 minutes.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let meatloaf rest in pan for 15 minutes. Optional: Pour off excess grease. Transfer to cutting board using sturdy spatula. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Moist Texture and Balanced Flavor

• Massage Meat Gently: Mix ground beef with other ingredients using light hands to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Control Moisture Balance: Quick-cooking oats help absorb excess liquid and create a moist, cohesive meatloaf without becoming dry.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow meatloaf to rest 15 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute and develop richer, more concentrated flavors.
• Customize Glaze Boldness: Adjust hot sauce quantity to personalize spice level, creating a glaze that matches your taste preferences.

How to Keep Meatloaf Tasty for the Next Day

• Refrigeration: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Slice meatloaf, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

Side Dishes That Match This Meatloaf Well

• Pair With Robust Red Wine: Match the hearty meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, cutting through the rich beef flavor and complementing the savory glaze.
• Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Balance the dense meatloaf with a light, tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding freshness and cutting through the meat's richness.
• Creamy Mashed Potato Companion: Create the ultimate comfort meal by serving smooth, buttery mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, soaking up the delicious glaze and providing a perfect textural contrast.
• Zesty Roasted Vegetable Ensemble: Elevate the dish with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots seasoned with garlic and herbs, adding color, nutrition, and a caramelized edge that mirrors the meatloaf's glaze.

Unique Variations with Vegetables or Sauces

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace thyme with chopped cilantro and add diced green chilies. Mix in 1/2 cup of corn kernels and swap ketchup glaze for a chipotle-honey sauce for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Herb Garden Meatloaf: Use a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and sage instead of thyme. Incorporate finely chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color. Create a roasted garlic and herb glaze to elevate the dish's aromatic profile.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb. Add crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and dried oregano to the mixture. Top with a tangy tzatziki-inspired sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill for a Mediterranean twist.
• Lean Turkey Wellness Loaf: Replace ground beef with ground turkey breast for a lighter protein option. Mix in grated zucchini and carrots for added moisture and nutrients. Create a lighter glaze using honey and whole grain mustard to complement the lean meat.

Easy Dinner Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty oatmeal meatloaf brings comfort and nutrition to family dinner tables with its rich protein blend and wholesome ingredients. Home cooks can savor this classic dish that combines lean ground beef, rolled oats, and simple seasonings for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds ground beef, preferably 85% lean

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 medium white or yellow onion
• 6 large sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF, positioning the rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
2. Grate the onion using a box grater into a large mixing bowl, creating a fine, uniform texture.
3. Finely chop fresh thyme leaves, releasing their aromatic essence into the bowl with the grated onion.
4. Combine quick-cooking oats, whole milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard, whisking until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive base.
5. Gently fold the ground beef into the oat mixture, using your hands to ensure even incorporation without overworking the meat.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, carefully smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even appearance.
7. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook thoroughly.
8. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce in a small bowl.
9. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously coat the top with the prepared glaze, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until the glaze caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF, approximately 10 to 25 minutes.
11. Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and settle.
12. Optional: Carefully drain excess grease from the pan into a small bowl.
13. Using a sturdy spatula, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board, and slice into serving portions.
14. Serve the meatloaf warm, revealing its juicy interior and glossy, caramelized exterior.

Notes

• Elevate traditional meatloaf by incorporating quick-cooking oats for a heartier, more nutritious texture that keeps the dish tender and moist.
• Grate onions instead of chopping to distribute flavor evenly and ensure a smooth, consistent mixture throughout the meatloaf.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich, meaty flavor and preventing a greasy final dish.
• Create a tangy, sweet glaze with ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for a caramelized topping that adds depth and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, ensuring perfect, clean cuts every time.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked meat, aiming for at least 165ºF.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg