What is meatloaf? What is the best thing to do, trust me on this one. What do you think about dry meatloaf?What is meatloaf withIs a game-changer. It’s moist, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. Think of it as the comfort food equivalent of a warm hug. What is the best hamburger you’ve ever had? My grandmother used to make something similar, and this is my updated version. Is this a family favorite?
What is meatloaf with oatmeal?
Meatloaf with oatmeal, at its heart, is a baked dish made primarily of ground meat, a binder (in this case, oatmeal!), and a whole bunch of delicious seasonings. It’s essentially a giant, super-flavorful meatball that you slice and serve. The oatmeal acts as a fantastic way to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Some people use breadcrumbs, but honestly, oatmeal adds a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderful texture that I just adore. It’s a classic comfort food, usually topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. I swear, the glaze is what takes this What is meatloaf withWhat is the next level of deliciousness?
Why you should try this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I’m completely obsessed with this What is meatloaf with recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. The combination of the ground meat, the herbs, and the tangy glaze creates a symphony of tastes that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). What I love most about this recipe, though, is how easy it is. Seriously, it’s mostly just mixing everything together and popping it in the oven. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Another reason to adore this recipe? It’s incredibly budget-friendly. Ground meat is relatively inexpensive, and oatmeal is definitely a pantry staple. Plus, you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your fridge and spice rack. And let’s not forget its versatility. You can serve this What is meatloaf withWith mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad – the possibilities are endless. What are some easy weeknight meals to make?One Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies. One-What’s not to love about meatloaf?
How do you make meatloaf with oatmeal?
Quick Overview
Making this Meatloaf with oatmealIs it surprisingly simple? How do I start prepping my ingredients? What is the best way to bake a loaf? How do I cook a steak perfectly What is the key to avoid overmixing meat, which can make it tough. And of course, don’t forget that amazing glaze! We’ll brush it on during the last few minutes of baking to create that gorgeous, sticky, caramelized caramel. Is it really that easy?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
* 2 pounds Ground Beef (I like to use a blend of 80/20 for flavor and moisture)
* 1 cup quick-cooking oats (not instant!)
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or even almond milk in a pinch – I’ve tried it myself) * 1/4 cup whole milk
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use cooking spray for this, but you can also use butter or oil. Make sure to get all the corners! Set the pan aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Ground Beef, quick-cooking oats, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well mixed. What is Worcestershire sauce?
Step 4: Combine
In a large bowl, pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. What is the best way to mix everything together with your hands? How do I not overmix meatloaf? I just want everything to be evenly combined.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Brown Sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Set aside. This is your glaze! Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to my favorite dishes.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press it down to create an even layer. Spread about half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. What makes a caramelized crust?
Step 7: Bake
In the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from the oven and cool. I always use a meat thermometer to be sure. The meatloaf should be cooked through, but still moist. During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze over the top. What is the best way to finish a car’s exterior?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender meatloaf. Letting it rest is key! After letting it rest for 10 minutes you can spread the glaze on top of it.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Carefully slice the meatloaf with oatmeal and serve it warm. It’s fantastic with Mashed Potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
The beauty of meatloaf with oatmeal is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can really serve it with anything you like! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
For a Classic Comfort Meal: Mashed potatoes and gravy are a must! Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a Weeknight Dinner: A simple salad and some crusty bread make a quick and easy weeknight meal. I love a balsamic vinaigrette with this!
For a Potluck: Bring this meatloaf with oatmeal to your next potluck! It’s always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a variety of sides, like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.
My family also loves it with mac and cheese! It might sound a little unconventional, but trust me, it’s delicious. And don’t forget the ketchup! My kids insist on it.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Meatloaf with Oatmeal
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the absolute best meatloaf with oatmeal. Here are my top tips:
Don’t Overmix: I cannot stress this enough! Overmixing the meat can make it tough and dry. Gently mix everything together until just combined.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ground meat and fresh herbs will make a huge difference in the flavor of your meatloaf.
Add Moisture: The oatmeal helps to retain moisture, but you can also add a grated zucchini or carrot to the mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
Let It Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender meatloaf. It makes a huge difference!
Customize the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with the glaze! You can add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of honey for extra flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add the glaze right before baking.
One time, I accidentally added too much oatmeal, and the meatloaf was a little dry. So now I always measure the oatmeal carefully! And another time, I forgot to add the Worcestershire sauce, and the flavor was definitely lacking. So don’t skip that ingredient!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This meatloaf with oatmeal stores wonderfully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Room Temperature: You can leave the meatloaf at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for sandwiches!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, simply slice the meatloaf and microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little bit of oil.
If you’re freezing the meatloaf, I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can easily grab a slice or two for a quick meal. And if you’re making it ahead of time for a party, you can bake it a day or two in advance and then reheat it before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for the best meatloaf with oatmeal you’ll ever make! It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of my family’s all-time favorites, and I know it will become a staple in your kitchen too. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy dinner recipes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
Meatloaf with Oatmeal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef Use lean beef for a healthier option.
- 1 cup oatmeal Quick oats work best.
- 0.5 cup milk Any type of milk is fine.
- 2 units large eggs
- 1 unit onion Finely chopped.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt To taste.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground.
- 0.5 cup ketchup For topping the meatloaf.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, oats, milk, eggs, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place the mixture in a loaf pan and shape into a loaf. Spread the ketchup evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
