Nan's Hearty Oatmeal Meatloaf (with a Kick!)

Looking for a truly great meatloaf with oatmeal recipe? This is it! Nan's secret to the best homemade meatloaf, made easy. What to make with meatloaf for a comforting classic? Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving comfort food? The meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is a winner! It is hearty, flavourful and easy to make. Honestly, it's proper food.

Brief Overview

Meatloaf is a true american classic. this best homemade meatloaf recipe version uses oatmeal for a moist, tender texture. it is easy, taking only about an hour and a half.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Oatmeal adds fibre to your recipe meatloaf , making it healthier. serve this great meatloaf recipes dish for a cosy sunday supper.

What makes this recipe special? the smoky paprika and tangy glaze.

Oatmeal Magic: Why This Meatloaf Works

Right, so, you might be thinking, "oatmeal in meatloaf? bit weird, innit?" trust me on this. the oatmeal acts like a sponge.

It soaks up all those lovely meat juices and keeps everything nice and moist. it really makes this the worlds best meatloaf .

Getting Started: The Key Ingredients

You'll need: 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup milk, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 egg, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

For the glaze: ½ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp dijon mustard.

Honestly, you probably have most of that in the cupboard already.

Let's Cook This Meatloaf with Oatmeal Recipe : Step by Step

First, soak the oats in the milk. then, sauté the onion and garlic. combine everything (except the glaze!) in a bowl.

Gently mix. place in a loaf pan and slather on that amazing glaze. bake at 350° f ( 175° c) for 60- 70 minutes.

Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160° f ( 71° c). let it rest before slicing.

Variations and Serving Suggestions: Make It Your Own

Fancy a bit of a kick? add some red pepper flakes. sub in ground turkey for a lighter meatloaf for 2 recipes .

Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. what to make with meatloaf leftovers? meatloaf sandwiches, obviously. i saw meatloaf recipes joanna gaines made once with mashed potatoes, but i like it with coleslaw!

This Large Meatloaf Recipe is easy to adjust. Remember, the secret is in the glaze and gentle mixing! Get cooking.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this fantastic meatloaf with oatmeal recipe . it's all about quality ingredients and the right tools, yeah? we're aiming for proper comfort food here.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

For this best homemade meatloaf , quality counts, especially with the beef.

• Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Aim for an 80/20 blend. A little fat means a moist meatloaf, trust me. Look for bright red colour and fresh smell, avoid gray or slimy meat.
• Rolled Oats: 1 cup (90g) . Not instant! We want that lovely texture.
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Any kind will do, even plant-based!
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
• Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons .
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . This adds a lovely depth.
• Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon , dried.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .

For the Glaze

• Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , light or dark.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon .
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations are smoked paprika and italian herbs, these are your flavour heroes! a dash of worcestershire sauce is a great flavour enhancer.

Don't have smoked paprika? regular paprika works, but add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a kick. a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme can take the place of the italian herbs.

I remember once, I was making worlds best meatloaf and realised I was out of paprika. I used some chipotle powder and it was a revelation! Seriously, experiment!

Equipment Needed

Just the essentials, love.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing everything, obviously!
• 9x5 inch Loaf Pan : Crucial for the shape.
• Small Saucepan: For the glaze, if you want to heat it.
• Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: Standard.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get precise.

Don’t have a loaf pan? you can shape it freeform on a baking sheet. this is something that works perfectly for meatloaf for 2 recipes , just divide in half the dough, and make 2 meatloaves.

As alternatives for measuring cups, use mugs or spoons, and just compare with others online for the equivalent measure. i was just in the kitchen creating something similar to meatloaf recipes joanna gaines and had to get creative.

This meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is simple and delicious, a fantastic addition to great meatloaf recipes . if you have some leftovers, you can create many recipes like what to make with meatloaf .

So, let's get cooking and create the best homemade meatloaf recipe ! don't forget that you can always adjust this recipe meatloaf to be a large meatloaf recipe by doubling the ingredients.

Right then, let's talk meatloaf! not just any meatloaf, but nan's hearty oatmeal meatloaf . honestly, it's comfort food personified, the kind that makes you wanna curl up on the sofa with a cuppa.

And the best part? it's dead easy to make. this recipe is so good, it could easily be the best homemade meatloaf you've ever tasted.

We are taking the usual recipe meatloaf , a classic, and making it so much better with the addition of oats.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

Okay, first things first, mise en place , yeah? Basically, get all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to rock. It sounds poncy, but it truly helps.

• Essential mise en place : chop one medium yellow onion (that's about 1 cup). mince two cloves of garlic. get out the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, spices.

  .. the whole shebang. get your oats soaking like that.

• Time-Saving Organization Tips : Chop those onions and garlic first, so the smells don't transfer. Honestly, it makes a difference. Measure out your spices into one little bowl. Boom!

• Safety Reminders : Mind your fingers when chopping! Use a sharp knife, it is safer than a dull one, honestly.

Let's Get Cooking: Meatloaf Step-by-Step

Right, with everything prepped, it's showtime. This is where the magic happens.

1. Oatmeal time : mix 1 cup rolled oats with 1 cup milk . let it sit for 5- 10 minutes .

   They are softening. i swear, this makes the loaf so tender.

2. Sauté the Onions : Fry that chopped onion in a pan until soft, about 5 minutes . Add garlic for the last minute. Smells divine, doesn't it?

3. The big mix : in a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef with the oats, onions, 1 beaten egg , 1/4 cup ketchup , 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce , 1 tsp smoked paprika , 1 tsp italian herbs , 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp pepper .

4. Easy Does It : Mix gently! Overmixing is a crime against meatloaf. Think of it like making a cake. Do you really want to create the worlds best meatloaf ?

5. Shape Up : Plop the mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan . Make it an even layer.

6. Glaze time : whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup , 2 tbsp brown sugar , 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar , and 1 tsp dijon mustard .

   Smells amazing. this glaze makes a big difference. don't skip the glaze.

7. Glaze It : Slather that glaze all over the top of the meatloaf. Yum!

8. Bake Time : Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 60- 70 minutes . Internal temperature should be 160° F ( 71° C) .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf

Okay, here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years. These will make it a great meatloaf recipe !

• Don't Overmix : Seriously, I can't stress this enough. It becomes recipe meatloaf hard as a rock otherwise.

• Rest is Best : Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes after baking. Juices redistribute, trust me.

• Make-ahead option : you can prep the meatloaf a day ahead. just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it when you're ready.

  This helps to make meatloaf for 2 recipes easier to prepare.

So there you have it! my take on a classic, and one of the best homemade meatloaf recipe ideas i've ever had.

Now, go forth and create! and if you're wondering what to make with meatloaf leftovers, think sandwiches, meatloaf hash. honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Now go forth and conquer that dinner. it's sure to impress - this isn't one of those meatloaf recipes joanna gaines would have you making, but i'd bet you'd enjoy it just as much.

Plus, if you're having a large meatloaf recipe kinda day, just double the ingredients. it scales up easily.

Alright, lovelies, let’s chat about the finer points of my meatloaf with oatmeal recipe . I’ve been tweaking this recipe for yonks, and these are the bits I’ve learned along the way – proper game changers, they are!

Recipe Notes: Get Your Meatloaf On!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Honestly, serving is half the battle. for plating, think simple and rustic. a thick slice of meatloaf, drizzled with that tangy glaze, looks amazing next to some creamy mashed potatoes.

I'm telling you, it's one of the great meatloaf recipes to have in your arsenal.

As for sides? green beans are always a win. or, for a bit of poshness, roasted brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze.

Don’t forget a bevvie! a nice cold beer or a glass of robust red wine is cracking with it. and if you're at a loss for what to make with meatloaf , just whip up a quick gravy – bob's your uncle!

Cracking Storage Tips

Right then, leftovers. Pop any leftover meatloaf into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, easy peasy. The Refrigeration guidelines are pretty standard.

Fancy freezing it? You absolutely can! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 3 months.

For reheating instructions , let it thaw in the fridge overnight. then, either microwave it (quick and dirty!) or reheat it in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

It's an easy recipe meatloaf meal prep option.

Variations: Mixing it Up

Want to make it gluten-free? Just use gluten-free rolled oats. Sorted! You could also try adding a bit of spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes – whew!

For a seasonal twist, add finely chopped autumn veggies like carrots or parsnips to the mixture. This is one of the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe tricks I know!

Nutrition Basics: Keep it Real

Okay, this isn't health food, let's be real. But it's proper, comforting grub! You're getting a good whack of protein from the beef, and the oats add some fibre.

The key health benefits? well, it'll fill you up and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. don’t go overboard with the portions, and you're golden.

If you're looking for meatloaf for 2 recipes just halve the ingredients! some even say it could be the worlds best meatloaf !

Right then, that's all my notes. don’t be afraid to have a go and put your own spin on it! it's a really large meatloaf recipe , so you will most likely have leftovers.

Honestly, this meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is so simple and satisfying. remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. now get in the kitchen and get cooking! just like joanna gaines would, making meatloaf recipes joanna gaines proud!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats in this meatloaf with oatmeal recipe?

While rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, you can use instant oats in a pinch. However, be aware that instant oats will absorb more moisture, potentially leading to a slightly softer meatloaf. Consider reducing the amount of milk slightly or adding a touch more ground beef to compensate. It's a bit like substituting Tetley for Yorkshire Tea – it works, but it's just not quite the same!

My meatloaf is always dry! What can I do to make this meatloaf with oatmeal recipe more moist?

A dry meatloaf is a common culinary woe! Firstly, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this develops the gluten and makes it tough. Make sure your ground beef has some fat content (80/20 is ideal). Also, don't overbake it! Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) and no higher. Resting the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes after baking also allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister final product.

Can I freeze this oatmeal meatloaf? How should I store it?

Absolutely! Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For leftovers in the fridge, store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days – perfect for a meatloaf sarnie!

I don't have apple cider vinegar, what else can I use for the meatloaf glaze?

Not a problem! White vinegar or even balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar in the glaze. If using balsamic, use it sparingly, as it has a much stronger flavour. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also add a similar tang. It's all about getting that right balance of sweet and sour, like a good pickled onion!

Is this meatloaf with oatmeal recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While meatloaf isn't typically considered a "health food," this recipe does offer some nutritional benefits. The oatmeal adds fiber, which is great for digestion, and ground beef provides protein. To make it healthier, consider using leaner ground beef or ground turkey. Be mindful of the added sugar in the glaze; you can reduce the amount or use a sugar substitute. Serve it with plenty of vegetables for a well-rounded meal – think a good dollop of peas! Remember to adjust ingredient amounts when calculating nutrition, as the recipe guidelines are estimates.

Can I make this meatloaf with different types of ground meat?

Definitely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, chicken, or even a blend. Ground turkey is a leaner option, but might require a bit of extra moisture to keep it from drying out. If using a blend, a combination of beef and pork is very common and adds a lot of flavour. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed, especially with poultry to ensure it's cooked all the way through – nobody wants a dodgy tummy! Use your thermometer to check that internal temperature.

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