Oatstanding Oat Meatloaf A Hearty Healthy Twist on a Classic

Oatstanding Oat Meatloaf A Hearty Healthy Twist

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
"Oatstanding" Oat Meatloaf: A Hearty Twist
Fancy a bit of comfort food with a healthy twist? Have you ever thought about oats in your meatloaf? I have and this meatloaf recipe using oats is a game-changer.
It’s like your traditional meatloaf but better.
What is an Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe All About?
This isn't just any meatloaf with oats recipe . It's a hug in loaf form. This version adds a healthy boost with rolled oats.
Oats keep it super moist. Plus, a tangy glaze ties it all together.
This dish has roots in classic American home cooking. Now, it's getting a modern, healthy makeover. It's easy to make, taking only around 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
This family meatloaf recipe with oats yields 6-8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Meatloaf Recipe With Oats
Honestly, the best part is how good it is for you. It's a heart healthy meatloaf recipe due to the oats.
These are packed with fibre. It is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a Sunday roast. What makes this moist oat meatloaf recipe stand out is its texture and flavour.
Want to know more? Let's get into what you'll need to make this easy meatloaf with oats .
Ingredients & Equipment for "Oatstanding" Oat Meatloaf
Let's talk ingredients, shall we? Honestly, this meatloaf recipe using oats is pretty straightforward. You probably have half the stuff already.
This easy meatloaf with oats is about to become a family favourite.
Main Ingredients for Your Family Meatloaf Recipe with Oats
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 is best, trust me). Quality beef is important!
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats (not the instant stuff).
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're a garlic fiend like me).
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole milk adds richness).
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Seasoning Notes for Maximum Flavour
Worcestershire sauce is your best friend here. It adds a depth of flavour that's just chef's kiss . Smoked paprika gives it a subtle smoky note.
Thyme is classic. Don't skip the salt and pepper!. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
A Heart healthy meatloaf recipe requires good flavour!.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark).
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
Essential Equipment for Oatmeal meatloaf
You don't need any fancy kit for this. You will need:
- A large mixing bowl.
- A 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and knife.
- Small saucepan (for the glaze).
- A meat thermometer is highly recommended .
Don’t have a loaf pan? Use a baking dish and shape the meatloaf by hand. Just watch the cooking time.
I once used a cake tin, it looked funny but tasted great!. This moist oat meatloaf recipe needs good baking.
"Oatstanding" Oat Meatloaf: A Hearty & Healthy Twist
This ain't your Nan's meatloaf (unless your Nan's super trendy, of course!). Honestly, I thought my meatloaf days were over, until I experimented using oats instead of breadcrumbs.
We're taking the traditional comfort food and giving it a healthy boost with rolled oats. The oats add a wonderful texture and help keep the meatloaf moist, while a tangy glaze balances the richness.
It’s a proper family meatloaf recipe with oats that's easy to whip up on a weeknight. Think of it as a hug in loaf form! This meatloaf recipe using oats is so good and filling
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Before we get cracking, let's talk prep. It's all about the mise en place , darling. That means having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.
Trust me, it'll save you a headache later.
- Essential mise en place : Chop one medium onion and one green bell pepper finely. Mince two cloves of garlic. Measure out one cup of rolled oats. Have all your spices handy.
- Time-saving organization tips: Chop your veggies while the oven preheats to 350° F ( 175° C) . This saves you time and makes the whole process feel less chaotic.
- Safety reminders: Remember to wash your hands after handling raw meat.
Step-by-Step to Meatloaf Glory
Right, let's get this meatloaf with oats recipes underway.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix one half cup of milk, one beaten egg, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, one half teaspoon of salt, one quarter teaspoon of pepper, one teaspoon of thyme and one half teaspoon of paprika.
- Add Oats & Veggies: Add one cup of rolled oats, chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the wet ingredients. Mix and let stand for 5 minutes. This helps the oats soften up a bit.
- Incorporate the Beef: Gently add two pounds of ground beef. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Shape & Transfer: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into an even loaf.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together one half cup of ketchup, two tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and one teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Glaze & Bake: Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 60- 70 minutes , or until it reaches 160° F ( 71° C) .
- Rest & Glaze (Again!): Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. During the last 10 minutes of the bake time, brush with the remaining glaze. This allows the meatloaf to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Meatloaf Game
Want to take your meatloaf to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned.
- Don't overmix, I keep saying that again for good reason, Overmixing makes tough oatmeal meatloaf .
- Use a meat thermometer, it's essential for moist oat meatloaf recipe .
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the meatloaf a day in advance and bake it before dinner, This is a family meatloaf recipe with oats everyone will love.
So there you have it. My take on a healthy meatloaf with oatmeal ! This easy meatloaf with oats is perfect for a cozy night in.
Now go on, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!.
Recipe Notes for Your "Oatstanding" Meatloaf Adventure
Right then, before you dive headfirst into this meatloaf recipe using oats , let's have a quick chat about some tips and tricks.
Honestly, these are the bits that can take your family meatloaf recipe with oats from "meh" to "OMG, can I have seconds?".
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good
Plating is everything, innit? Don't just plonk a slice of meatloaf on a plate. Nah, mate. Slice it nice and thick.
Fan it out slightly. A dollop of mashed potatoes and some vibrant green beans make it look like you actually tried.
As for drinks, think a good old pint or a glass of robust red wine. Sorted!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftover oatmeal meatloaf in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Perfect for sandwiches the next day. Freezing Options: You can freeze cooked meatloaf. Slice it first. Wrap each slice individually in cling film, then bung 'em all in a freezer bag.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until piping hot.
Or, you know, microwave it if you're in a hurry. We've all been there.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Dietary Adaptations: Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free oats. Job done. You could also try a healthy meatloaf with oatmeal using ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on the fat.
Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash into the meat mixture. Adds a bit of sweetness and a festive touch.
It's banging.
Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Too!
This moist oat meatloaf recipe isn't just tasty; it's got some good stuff in it too! Oats are packed with fibre.
So, it's good for your gut. Plus, protein from the beef keeps you full. Win-win! It can easily be a heart healthy meatloaf recipe .
So there you have it! A easy meatloaf with oats ! Go on, give it a go! You might just surprise yourself.
And remember, cooking should be fun. If it all goes wrong, order a takeaway. No judgement here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the oats in this meatloaf recipe using oats? I'm not sure I have any on hand.
Absolutely! While oats add a lovely texture and are a healthy addition to this meatloaf recipe using oats, you can substitute them. Breadcrumbs are the most common alternative. Use the same amount as the oats – 1 cup should do the trick. Just keep in mind that the texture and nutritional profile will be slightly different.
How do I stop my meatloaf from being dry? It's happened before and I'm worried about this recipe.
Dry meatloaf is a right pain, isn't it? The key is moisture! First, don't overmix the meat – that's a cardinal sin. Second, make sure you're using ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 is ideal). The oats also help retain moisture. Finally, don't overbake it!
Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) and take it out of the oven promptly. Letting it rest after baking also helps keep it juicy, a bit like resting a good Sunday roast.
My family isn't a fan of bell peppers. Can I leave them out, or will it ruin the meatloaf?
Not a problem at all! You can definitely leave out the bell peppers without ruining the meatloaf. They mainly add flavor and texture, so if your family isn't keen, just skip them. You could even try substituting them with another finely chopped vegetable, like carrots or zucchini, for a similar texture and added nutrients.
Consider this meatloaf your canvas; paint the flavors you like!
How long does this meatloaf last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
This meatloaf will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. As for freezing, absolutely! Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
I am looking for a healthy meatloaf recipe using oats. Is it possible to make this meatloaf healthier?
Definitely! This meatloaf recipe using oats is already a step in the right direction due to the oats adding fiber. To make it even healthier, you can use leaner ground beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Also, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal!
What are some good side dishes to serve with this meatloaf recipe?
Meatloaf and sides are a match made in heaven! For a classic pairing, you can't go wrong with mashed potatoes and gravy (maybe even add some peas for that proper British touch). Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also make a delicious and healthy addition.
Or, for something lighter, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a winner. It all boils down to what you fancy!