A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal

Is there anything more classic and comfortingly American than meatloaf? This juicy Meatloaf is made with oatmeal for a heartier texture and flavor, while the meatloaf glaze is so much more than a traditional smear of ketchup. It takes just minutes to prep and makes your kitchen smell good as it bakes. Get ready to bite into pure comfort with this old-fashioned meatloaf recipe! 

 

Homemade Meatloaf The Traditional Way

This delicious meatloaf has so much flavor thanks to a combo of mustard, ketchup, and fresh herbs mixed with two different kinds of meat. Pairing rolled oats with the panko bread crumbs makes a heartier meatloaf that also holds together better thanks to the extra heft from the old-fashioned rolled oats.

If you want to do something a little more special than the traditional ketchup glaze, try this sauce made with milk, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. It only takes a minute to make and has a slightly sweet tomato soup flavor. It’s absolutely incredible on top of the meatloaf! 

The secret to a perfectly tender meatloaf? A water bath! Yes, that’s right, just like with cheesecake! Placing your meatloaf pan in a larger pan filled with water allows for a more even temperature as the meatloaf bakes. As the water evaporates, it’ll help the meatloaf retain moisture and not dry out during the baking process. I mean, there’s nothing worse than a dry meatloaf! 

When it comes to oatmeal, using the right kind is imperative. The best kind to use is old-fashioned rolled oats. They’re firmer and less chewy than steel-cut oats, so they blend well with the meatloaf mixture. Never use instant or quick oats in your meatloaf! While delicious for breakfast, they’re far too soft and will break down, turning the ground beef mixture into mush. No thanks! 

For a truly cozy meal, serve this alongside green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and an old fashioned ambrosia salad. This is one of those amazing recipes that the whole family will love and crowd around the table for. Let me know how you like it in the comments below! 

Why You Should Make Meatloaf With Oatmeal

• Incredible Texture – The fine texture of the oats combine with the crispy panko bread crumbs for a dense, but still light meatloaf.
• Extra Nutritious – ​Oats have fiber and protein, which boost the nutritional value of this classic dinner.
• Creative Ways To Eat – It’s always fun to try something new! Plus, it makes plenty of leftovers. Try making mashed potato bowls or meatloaf sandwiches the next day!  

Ingredients You’ll Need

MEATLOAF:

Meat: This recipe uses a mixture of lean ground beef and ground pork for a more nuanced flavor. 

Panko: Fluffier than regular bread crumbs, panko gives the meatloaf a wonderful texture!

Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add heartiness and texture! 

Yellow Onion: The onions add depth to the meat. 

Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to keep everything together. 

Condiments: A little ketchup and Dijon mustard are classics for any good meatloaf. 

Milk: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the meat as it bakes. 

Spices: Salt, black pepper, fresh basil, and fresh thyme. 

SAUCE: 

Dark Brown Sugar: You can sub light brown sugar in a pinch, but we want some of that carmelized sugar flavor in the sauce. 

Milk – This gives it a creamier texture than just ketchup.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and subtle sweetness. 

Ketchup: What’s a meatloaf sauce without it? You can use tomato sauce instead, but it won’t be quite as sweet.

How To Make This Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Step One: Get Started

Preheat oven to 400º and lightly grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan with oil. Add the meat, panko, oats, and onions in a large mixing bowl and use your hands to combine. Then, add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly before placing the meat mixture in the prepared pan.

Step Two: Water Bath

Place the loaf pan in a 9 x 13 baking pan and add an inch of water to the baking dish around the loaf pan.

Step Three: Cook Meatloaf 

Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165º. The top should be brown, and the juices should be coming up around the sides of the meat. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool enough to slice. 

Step Four: Make Sauce

Add the ingredients to a small saucepan or a microwavable bowl and heat on the stove or microwave until hot. 

Pour it over your meatloaf slices.

​A Few Recipe Notes: 

• Don’t forget the meat thermometer. Meatloaf is done cooking once it reaches an internal temperature of 165º. Don’t let it cook further than that or you risk the meatloaf drying out! 
• Feel free to swap the beef or pork for ground turkey if you would prefer a lighter take, but it will have a different flavor without the beef and pork.
• You can use traditional bread crumbs or cracker crumbs instead of panko. 

How To Store Leftovers

In The Fridge: Let the meatloaf cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to three days in the fridge. Leftover meatloaf is the best!

In The Freezer: Once cooled, store in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to three months. 

More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.