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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF and position the rack in the middle for even cooking.
- Grate the onion into a large mixing bowl, creating a fine, aromatic base for the meatloaf.
- Finely chop the fresh thyme leaves and add them to the grated onion, releasing their herbaceous essence.
- Incorporate quick-cooking oats, whole milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and dry mustard into the bowl, stirring until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Gently fold the ground beef into the seasoned mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake 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 hot sauce in a small bowl.
- After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously spread the glaze over the top, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
- 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.
- Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Optional: carefully pour off excess grease from the pan.
- Using a sturdy spatula, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice into servings.
- 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