Oatmeal Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip down memory lane? this recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal is seriously the ultimate comfort food. honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate.

You know, that nostalgic, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying flavour that makes you feel all cozy inside?

Brief Overview

Ah, meatloaf! it's a total american classic. originating from scrapple recipes from pennsylvania german immigrants. our recipe is quick-ish, clocking in at about an hour and twenty.

This meat loaf recipe easy ground beef is serves 6-8 people. perfect for sunday dinner.

Main Benefits

This meatloaf is packed with protein from the ground beef and keeps you feeling full. it's best meatloaf ever recipe status will impress your friends.

It's also amazing served hot or cold for sandwiches the next day! it is perfect as meatloaf for two people if you love left overs, or scale it down to one pound of meat.

Time for the ingredients!

The Meatloaf Magic: What You'll Need

Alright, gather 'round! Here’s what you need for this Oatmeal Meatloaf . Don’t worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

• 2 lbs of ground beef .
• 1 cup of quick-cooking rolled oats .
• 1 cup of milk.
• 1 medium yellow onion , chopped.
• 1 medium green bell pepper , chopped.
• 2 large eggs .
• 2 cloves garlic , minced.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce .
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning .
• Half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper .

Glaze It Up: Sweet & Tangy Goodness

No meatloaf is complete without that signature glaze! You can also use Meatloaf Recipes With Bread , if you do not like Oatmeal, instead of oats, using one cup of bread instead.

• Half a cup of ketchup .
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar .
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard .

Let’s Get Cooking

Seriously, this isn’t rocket science. If I can make it (and believe me, I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters), you definitely can.

First, get your oven preheating to 350° f ( 175° c). then, soak those oats in milk for about 5 minutes.

This softens them up nicely and helps keep the meatloaf moist. trust me, you don’t want a dry meatloaf.

While the oats are soaking, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper. it will bring out that delicious flavor. cook until softened, and add the minced garlic for the last minute or so.

Let it cool slightly before adding it to the meat mixture.

Now, in a big bowl, mix everything together. ground beef , oat mixture, sautéed veggies, eggs, worcestershire sauce, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently, don't overmix! . then transfer into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Bake, Glaze, and Enjoy!

Spread half of your glaze on top before baking for 45 minutes. Then, take it out, spread the rest of the glaze, and bake for another 15.

Lastly, let the meatloaf rest for about 10- 15 minutes. This is important! Then slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

I’m all about the classics. Mashed potatoes and gravy are the perfect pairing. What To Eat With Meatloaf? Roasted vegetables are also a winner.

Pro Tips

• Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 160° F ( 71° C) to be spot on .
• Don't overmix – it leads to a tough meatloaf.

Enjoy your Oven Meatloaf Recipes . Remember, cooking should be fun! Don't stress, just enjoy the process. You got this!

Alright, let’s dive into the heart of our recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal : the ingredients and equipment! honestly, getting this bit right is half the battle.

It's like making sure you have all the right tools before attempting to build that flatpack from ikea, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment: Setting the Stage

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

This ain't your nan's boring meatloaf! We're aiming for flavour town. Here's what you'll need, with the exact measurements, so you can nail it first time.

• Ground Beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Aim for an 80/20 blend. Too lean and it'll be dry as a bone. You want that fat for flavour and moisture! Fresh, bright red color is what to look for.
• Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats: 1 cup (90g) . These are our secret weapon for keeping it moist.
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Use 2% or whole milk for a richer flavour.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
• Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons . This adds that umami kick.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .

Glaze Goodness

• Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed.
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon .

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Fireworks

Spice it up, buttercup! this is where you can really make it your own. we start with classic essential spice combinations which include italian seasoning, garlic, and worcestershire sauce.

This blend is truly the base for the best meatloaf ever recipe .

Flavor enhancers and aromatics :Don't be afraid to experiment! A pinch of smoked paprika? A dash of hot sauce? Go wild!

Quick substitution options: No Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce will do in a pinch. And if the yellow mustard is missing, try Dijon.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this oven meatloaf recipe . Just the basics:

• Large Mixing Bowl .
• 9x5 inch Loaf Pan . If you only have round pans, you can make Meat Loaves using them
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board and a decent knife.
• Meat Thermometer . Seriously, get one of these! Aim for 160° F ( 71° C) .
• Small bowl for the glaze.

Common household alternatives: Don’t have a loaf pan? A casserole dish will work fine.

And that's it! i learned the hard way, meatloaf with bread is just too dry. you can use breadcrumbs, but try it with oatmeal, seriously! you got your ingredients, you got your tools.

Now, let’s get cooking! i remember once, when making meatloaf for two people , i forgot the worcestershire sauce and tried using fish sauce.

Oh my gosh, what a disaster! learn from my mistakes, friends! three meat meatloaf is also a great option to try.

Don't forget that it's a Meat Loaf Recipe Easy Ground Beef when you use simple seasoning and good cuts. Thinking about what to eat with meatloaf ? Mashed potatoes. End of discussion.

Alright, let's get cracking on this meatloaf masterpiece! honestly, who doesn't love a good meatloaf recipe easy ground beef ? it's the ultimate comfort food.

And adding oatmeal? it's like nana's secret ingredient.

Prep Power: Getting Ready to Rumble

First things first: the mise en place . Translation? Get your ducks in a row.

• Essential Bits: Grab 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup oats, 1 cup milk, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 2 eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Easy peasy.
• Time-Saving Tip: Chop the onion and pepper beforehand. It saves ages. Seriously.
• Safety Alert: Don't be a silly sausage! Wash your hands before touching raw meat.

Meatloaf Magic: Step-by-Step

Ready to make some magic? This oven meatloaf recipe is a breeze.

1. Heat It Up: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a loaf pan.
2. Oat Soak: Mix 1 cup oats with 1 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 mins to soften. This keeps things moist.
3. Veggie Sizzle: Sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped pepper until soft. Add minced garlic. Yum!
4. Mix it All: Combine the beef, oat mix, sautéed veggies, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
5. Gentle Touch: Don't overmix ! It makes the meat loaves tough.
6. Shape Up: Plop it into the pan and shape it nicely.
7. Glaze Time: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
8. Bake Away: Slather half the glaze on top. Bake for 45 mins.
9. Glaze Again: Add the rest of the glaze. Bake another 15 mins. Internal temp needs to be 160° F ( 71° C)

Pro Tips for Meatloaf Glory

Want to up your best meatloaf ever recipe game? Here are some hot tips.

• Expert Hack: Sautéing the veggies beforehand makes a world of difference. Trust me.
• Common Oops: Overmixing is a crime against meatloaf . Be gentle!
• Make-Ahead Move: You can prep the mix the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge.

So there you have it. meatloaf with bread or with oatmeal (like this recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal ) is amazing!.

I swear, even picky eaters will love it. for a meatloaf for two people just half the ingredients, it's as easy as pie.

Now go make some deliciousness! consider what to eat with meatloaf , mashed potato is a solid option.

Alright, let's talk all things meatloaf! honestly, there's nothing quite like a good meat loaf recipe easy ground beef , you know? it's total comfort food, and this recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal ? it's a game-changer! my gran used to make this, and oh my gosh, it was the best .

Recipe Notes

Here, we can explore how to adapt the Oven Meatloaf Recipes to suit your kitchen, or to learn how to improve it:

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Meatloaf Game

So, you've got this beautiful meatloaf fresh from the oven. what next? plating's key, love! i like slicing it thick and overlapping the slices slightly on a plate.

Maybe add a sprig of parsley for a bit of colour? and what to eat with meatloaf ? oh, the possibilities!

Think classic mashed potatoes with a rich gravy. roasted root vegetables are amazing, too. or, if you're feeling a bit fancy, try a creamy polenta.

And for a drink? a nice, dry red wine pairs perfectly. even some gravy is good!

Storage Tips: Keep That Meatloaf Fresh!

Got leftovers? lucky you! to keep it tasting its best, slice and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. you can also store in the freezer to improve the durability.

Want to freeze it? absolutely! wrap slices individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag. this helps prevent freezer burn.

When reheating, either microwave until piping hot, or warm it through gently in the oven. ensure to re-heat for at least 15 minutes at 165 degrees.

Variations: Make It Your Own, Mate!

Fancy switching things up? You got it! For a Meatloaf With Bread -based variation, swap out the oats for breadcrumbs. Works a charm!

If you are looking for dietary adaptations, for a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of beef. just make sure it's not too lean, or it'll dry out.

Or consider a three meat meatloaf , you know, mixing beef, pork, and veal? oh my gosh, it adds so much flavour!

Seasonally, you could add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes in summer or roasted butternut squash in autumn! What a great idea!

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Alright, quick nutrition lowdown. this best meatloaf ever recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the ground beef. oats add fibre, which is great for your gut.

The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals.

Of course, meatloaf isn't exactly health food, but it can be part of a balanced diet. try to serve it with plenty of veggies to balance things out.

And remember, moderation is key, yeah? about calories, this should reach approximately 450 calories, 35g of protein, 25g of fat, and 20g of carbs.

The meat loaves could change according the ingredients and proportions.

So there you have it! some extra notes to improve this recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! happy cooking! if you are meatloaf for two people , you can divide all quantities by 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use oatmeal in a recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal? What's the point?

Oatmeal acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together while keeping it nice and moist. It also adds a subtle, nutty flavour that you might not even notice, but definitely contributes to the overall deliciousness. Think of it as the unsung hero of a great meatloaf, like a good cuppa to a Brit – essential!

Can I use different types of oatmeal in this meatloaf recipe?

Quick-cooking rolled oats are generally recommended for meatloaf as they soften quickly and blend well into the mixture. Steel-cut oats aren't suitable as they don't soften enough during cooking and will result in a very textured meatloaf. You could use old-fashioned rolled oats, but they might need a longer soaking time in the milk to properly soften.

My meatloaf always comes out dry. How can I prevent that when using this recipe for meatloaf with oatmeal?

Dry meatloaf is a common woe! First, don't overmix the ingredients – that toughens the meat and squeezes out moisture. Make sure your ground beef isn't too lean; an 80/20 blend is ideal. Also, ensure you let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it much more moist. Think of it like letting a roast chicken rest – same principle applies!

Can I freeze leftover meatloaf, and how long will it last?

Absolutely! Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave. It's a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand, especially after a long day. Consider portioning it before freezing for easier reheating, like meal prepping but for comfort food.

What are some good variations I can try to spice up my oatmeal meatloaf?

Feeling adventurous, eh? You can add a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a kick. Swapping out the beef for ground turkey or pork can also create different flavor profiles. For the glaze, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra tang. It's all about making it your own personal signature, innit?

Is this oatmeal meatloaf recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Well, it's comfort food, so let's not pretend it's a salad! But it does have some redeeming qualities. The ground beef provides protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The oatmeal adds fiber, which is good for digestion. And while the glaze has sugar, it's relatively moderate. You can tweak it to be healthier by using leaner ground beef or adding more veggies, but ultimately, it's a tasty, satisfying meal in moderation, like a good Sunday roast.

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