Meatloaf is a comfort meal like no other. This Meatloaf with Oatmeal packs a lot of flavor into every tasty bite. It's finished off with a ketchup topping, and it tastes like childhood memories.
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Meatloaf recipes vary widely among households, with each having its own unique twist. This Meatloaf with Oatmeal has been a staple in my family. It's straightforward, speedy, and simple, all the qualities I adore in a dinner recipe.
This yummy dish blends ground meat, oatmeal, and ketchup for a comforting meal. For those seeking more unconventional options, I also offer recipes for Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers and Meatloaf Without Eggs.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers, this crowd-pleaser often yields leftovers, which make tasty sandwiches the following day. Whether paired with mashed potatoes and green beans or sandwiched between slices of bread, it's a satisfying meal for any occasion.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super simple. Mix everything in one bowl, transfer to a greased dish, bake, add the topping, and finish baking. It doesn't get much easier.
- Make ahead friendly. This Meatloaf with Oatmeal can be prepared in advance and stored covered in the fridge for up to two days, making weeknight dinners simpler.
- Flexible baking options. Use a loaf pan for classic slices or a square baking dish to create smaller portions and extra servings.
🛒 Ingredients
Ground Beef. An 80/20 blend works best for flavor and structure. Meat that is too lean can dry out or fall apart.
Eggs. Use about one egg per pound of meat to bind the meatloaf so it holds together when sliced.
Worcestershire Sauce. Adds depth of flavor. A1 sauce or soy sauce can be used as a substitute if needed.
Oats. Quick cook oats work well, but old fashioned or steel cut oats can also be used. They absorb moisture and fat as the meatloaf cooks, keeping it tender.
Ketchup. Spread on top to add a sweet, tangy finish and keep the meatloaf moist.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy ground beef in family packs: Larger packs usually have a lower price per pound. Portion and freeze what you do not need.
Swap the protein. Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option. Cook turkey meatloaf to 165°F and avoid overcooking, as it has less fat and can dry out. For more ideas, check out our Healthy Turkey Meatloaf.
🥄 Instructions for Meatloaf with Oatmeal
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x5 bread pan or 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside. **See note below for baking dish instructions
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the raw ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix well to combine. You don't want unmixed egg whites in the mixture.
Step 4: Add in the oats.
Step 5: Mix well to evenly distribute.
Step 6: Press the mixture into greased 9x5 bread pan or an 8x8 baking dish.
Step 7: Bake for 1 hour (if using a loaf pan) or 45 minutes if using an 8x8.
Step 8: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain the grease. Spread ketchup over the top and return to oven. Cook for another 30 minutes in a bread pan or 15 minutes if using 8x8.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve warm and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
Pan Choice Matters. Using an 8x8 pan can reduce cook time by 20 to 30 minutes and creates smaller slices that feel easier to share. A loaf pan works just as well. No matter the pan, be sure the meatloaf reaches 160°F internally. Add the ketchup topping and bake an additional 5 to 15 minutes to heat through.
Check the Temperature. Always use a thermometer to confirm doneness. Check once before adding the ketchup and again at the end of baking.
Scaling the Recipe. To make more servings, double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan, following the same instructions used for the square pan. This works well for larger families or gatherings.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Refrigerate leftover Meatloaf with Oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place slices in a baking dish, and heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 2 minutes or until hot.
Make Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. If using a glass baking dish, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to prevent thermal shock.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This Meatloaf with Oatmeal pairs best with simple, classic sides that complement its comfort food appeal, such as Bacon Ranch Brussel Sprouts, 5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese, Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes, or Creamy Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes.
- Bacon Ranch Brussel SproutsRecipe $7.35 / Serving $1.23
- 5 Ingredient Mac and CheeseRecipe $3.64 / Serving $0.36
- Dairy Free Mashed PotatoesRecipe $2.42 / Serving $0.61
- Red Potato SaladRecipe $5.78 / Serving $0.58
❓ Meatloaf with Oatmeal FAQs
Mix together ground beef, oats, eggs, and seasonings and place into pan and bake. Drain grease, top with ketchup, and bake a little longer to warm up the top. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Oats add fiber to the dish as well as double for a binding agent. Together the oats and the eggs help to keep the meatloaf retaining its shape.
If you want to cook the meatloaf at 375 degrees F, the baking time will be lessened. Check your meatloaf after 40 minutes and if it's reached 160 degrees F, then drain grease, top with ketchup, and return to oven for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Tilapia with Spinach and TomatoesRecipe $11.98 / Serving $3.00
- Stuffed Chicken Roll UpsRecipe $10.87 / Serving $2.72
- Honey Orange Glazed HamRecipe $12.32 / Serving $0.51
- Ragu Spaghetti Sauce RecipeRecipe $9.14 / Serving $1.14
🐝 If you tried this Meatloaf with Oatmeal, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Meatloaf with Oatmeal
Equipment
- 8x4 Bread Loaf Pan or 8x8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef - ($6.42)
- 2 large eggs - ($0.30)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - ($0.01)
- 1 teaspoons garlic, minced - ($0.06)
- ¼ teaspoon salt - ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - ($0.02)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder - ($0.02)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats - ($0.06)
- ½ cup ketchup, divided - ($0.16)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan or an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix the meatloaf. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, oats, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake.Loaf pan: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.8x8 dish: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Drain and top. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any excess grease. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top.
- Finish baking. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Rest and serve. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Oats and substitutions. Old fashioned, quick-cooking, or steel-cut oats all work. Ground turkey can be used instead of beef and should be cooked to 165°F.
- Pan and doneness. An 8x8 pan cooks faster, while a loaf pan gives a classic shape. Double the recipe for a 9x13 pan. Always cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make ahead and storage. Assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate covered. Let glass pans sit at room temperature before baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
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Vonda says
Thank you very much. I'll post how it turns out
Nicole says
You're welcome, and please do report back haha, I'd love to hear how it turns out! 🙂
Vonda says
I made this in crock pot I used your recipe to the letter. Crock pot High for 3 hours it was the best meatloaf ever. Very moist delicious
Vonda says
Can this be made in crock pot. If so how long to cook on low and high.
I live in Arizona and at 111° I really do not want to use oven.
Nicole says
To be honest, I've never made meatloaf in the crockpot so im not sure how it'd turn out. It does sound like a wondeful option for summer though! I would estimate that you can cook this on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. Drain the grease and add ketchup before serving. Double check that the internal temperature is at least 160F before serving (for food safety).
Pam says
Perfect timing! My kids were just talking yesterday about how long it's been since we've had meatloaf!
Srikanth says
What a lovely and unique recipe. Definitely have to try this for my picky toddler!
Maria says
Now that's a classic! Will definitely try this recipe.
Beth says
This looks so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love this recipe! So excited to make this soon!
Adrianne says
This looks like such a quick and easy go to recipe that gets dinner on the table quickly! Thanks for sharing.