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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF, positioning the rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
- Grate the onion using a box grater into a large mixing bowl, creating a fine, uniform texture.
- Finely chop fresh thyme leaves, releasing their aromatic essence into the bowl with the grated onion.
- Combine quick-cooking oats, whole milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard, whisking until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive base.
- Gently fold the ground beef into the oat mixture, using your hands to ensure even incorporation without overworking the meat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, carefully smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even appearance.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook thoroughly.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce in a small bowl.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously coat the top with the prepared glaze, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- 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.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and settle.
- Optional: Carefully drain excess grease from the pan into a small bowl.
- Using a sturdy spatula, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board, and slice into serving portions.
- 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