Best Ever Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Family Favorite

Oatmeal meatloaf stands as a hearty, nutritious twist on classic comfort food that enhances mundane weeknight dinners.

Home cooks appreciate its versatile nature and budget-friendly ingredients that blend seamlessly into a satisfying meal.

Wholesome rolled oats provide unexpected texture and binding capabilities, replacing traditional breadcrumbs with a nutritional upgrade.

Pantry staples merge effortlessly, creating a protein-packed dish that appeals to families seeking delicious and economical options.

Lean meats combined with fiber-rich oats result in a lighter, more digestible version of the traditional recipe.

Subtle seasonings elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring each bite bursts with robust flavors.

This simple yet sophisticated meal promises to become a reliable go-to for quick and nourishing family dinners.

Easy Oatmeal Meatloaf Flavor Notes

• Simplify Comfort: This meatloaf transforms a classic dish into an effortless meal with quick-cooking oats replacing breadcrumbs, making preparation super easy and reducing kitchen complexity.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a tangy-sweet glaze creates a multi-layered taste profile that elevates traditional meatloaf from basic to extraordinary.
• Healthy Twist: Using lean ground beef and incorporating whole milk oats adds nutritional value and moisture, ensuring a healthier protein-packed dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• One-Pan Wonder: The straightforward method of mixing ingredients, baking in a single loaf pan, and creating a caramelized glaze makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients List for Easy Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat provides the primary protein and texture for the meatloaf, choose fresh ground beef with lower fat content for a healthier dish.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds richness to the final texture.

• Quick-Cooking Oats, Whole Milk: Work together to add moisture and help create a tender, soft meatloaf structure.

• Onion: Adds sweet and sharp flavor, grated to distribute evenly throughout the meatloaf.
• Thyme: Fresh herb that provides earthy and slightly minty undertones to the meat mixture.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
• Dry Mustard: Adds depth and subtle tang to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Dijon Mustard, Light Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and depth to the glaze.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick to the glaze.

Directions for Easy Oatmeal Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pan

Adjust oven rack to center position. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Chop Aromatics And Herbs

• White or yellow onion
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Sharp kitchen knife

Combine chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Meatloaf Mixture

• Quick-cooking oats
• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Dry mustard
• Lean ground beef

Mix gently with hands until evenly combined. Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan, smoothing top carefully.

Step 4: Craft Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Light brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Optional hot sauce

Step 5: Bake First Round

Bake meatloaf for 45 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 6: Apply Glaze And Finish Cooking

Remove meatloaf, spread glaze evenly over top. Return to oven and bake additional 10-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow meatloaf to rest in pan for 15 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired. Transfer to cutting board using sturdy spatula. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Making Oatmeal Meatloaf Shine

• Massage Meat Gently: Mix ground beef with other ingredients using light hands to prevent dense, tough meatloaf texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Quick-cooking oats help absorb excess liquid while keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165ºF for safe, perfectly cooked results.
• Drain Excess Grease: Remove fat after cooking to maintain a cleaner, less greasy final dish.
• Customize Glaze Intensity: Adjust hot sauce and mustard levels to match your preferred flavor profile and spice tolerance.

Easy Oatmeal Meatloaf Storage Tips

• Store cooled meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory meatloaf with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches its hearty flavors and cuts through the meat's richness.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food duo by adding smooth, buttery mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, soaking up the delicious glaze and providing a perfect textural contrast.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Balance the meal's heaviness with a crisp, light salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, bringing brightness and freshness to the plate and helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the meatloaf's glazed exterior.

Variations on Classic Oatmeal Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace thyme with chopped cilantro and add diced green chiles. Mix in 1/2 cup salsa and sprinkle ground cumin for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb. Incorporate chopped rosemary, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. Top with a mint-yogurt sauce instead of traditional glaze.
• Turkey Veggie Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey. Fold in grated zucchini and finely diced carrots for extra moisture and nutrition. Use a honey-sriracha glaze for a lighter, brighter taste.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Mix in sautéed chopped mushrooms and replace some oats with breadcrumbs. Add shredded Swiss cheese throughout the mixture. Create a rich red wine reduction glaze for depth of flavor.

Easy Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty oatmeal meatloaf brings rustic comfort to dinner tables with its wholesome blend of ground beef, rolled oats, and classic seasonings. Savory and satisfying, this classic dish delivers home-style goodness that fills hungry bellies and warms hungry hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef, preferably 85% lean

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 medium white or yellow onion
• 6 large sprigs fresh thyme

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 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 and position the rack in the middle for even cooking.
2. Grate the onion into a large mixing bowl, creating a fine, aromatic base for the meatloaf.
3. Finely chop the fresh thyme leaves and add them to the grated onion, releasing their herbaceous essence.
4. Incorporate quick-cooking oats, whole milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and dry mustard into the bowl, stirring until a cohesive mixture forms.
5. Gently fold the ground beef into the seasoned mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
7. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake 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 hot sauce in a small bowl.
9. After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously spread the glaze over the top, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
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. Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
12. Optional: carefully pour off excess grease from the pan.
13. Using a sturdy spatula, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice into servings.
14. Plate and serve the meatloaf while still warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of herbs, meat, and sweet-tangy glaze.

Notes

• Oats add incredible moisture and texture, making this meatloaf incredibly tender and preventing it from becoming dry.
• Quick mixing technique ensures even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat for maximum flavor in every bite.
• The homemade glaze transforms a classic meatloaf into something special, balancing sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
• Grating onions instead of chopping helps distribute moisture and flavor more evenly throughout the meat mixture.
• Internal temperature is crucial – hitting 165ºF guarantees safe, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Letting the meatloaf rest allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg