Easy Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

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How to make the best meatloaf recipe with oatmeal and ground beef. Simple, easy, delicious dinner idea that's quick to mix up. Recipe with how to video!

Oatmeal meatloaf is one meal that our family loves, and it's become a go to meal for me when planning our menus. I love making it because I know we'll get at least two meals out of one easy meatloaf recipe.

Now I know this recipe definitely has some carbs; so I've actually taken my meatball recipe and kinda tweaked it to make a low carb meatloaf recipe if you're looking for a low carb option.

But really this meatloaf with oatmeal is super easy to make. Basically, dump the ingredients in a bowl, mix them up, and drop the whole mixture into a baking pan.

You can pat the ground beef into a larger loaf and bake it in a 13″x9″ pan; or we've even made it by patting the meatloaf into a larger sheet pan. If you do choose to make it in a sheet pan, it likely won't need as long to bake.

Either way you bake it, I highly recommend you use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked. Homemade meatloaf has never been so easy to make.

If you love cooking with the Instant Pot, this Instant Pot meatloaf and potatoes is just the recipe for you. And for a more classic recipe with a sauce, this traditional meatloaf recipe is a delicious fit.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the meatloaf recipe with oatmeal – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

easy meatloaf recipe sliced on a pretty white plate ready to serve with a fork

MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED:

13″x9″ casserole or baking dish – I love using this size baking dish to make a big 2-pound meatloaf that will stretch to give our family of five more than one meal.

Large mixing bowl – This makes it easy to just dump in all the ingredients and start mixing.

Meat thermometer – We use ours all the time; it really helps to tell if the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.

HOW TO MAKE MEATLOAF WITH OATMEAL

You'll need to pre-heat your oven to 350° F, and grease a 13”x9” baking dish.

  1. Add all of the ingredients, including the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, BBQ sauce, oatmeal, and seasoned salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix well using a large fork; or you can just use your hands.
mixing ingredients for meatloaf recipe with oatmeal in blue mixing bowl
  1. Once everything’s been mixed together well, transfer the meat mixture to the baking dish, and shape it into a loaf.
hands shaping oatmeal meatloaf in white baking dish on white marble countertop
  1. Then an optional step, but one I highly recommend… Squirt ketchup all over the top of the meatloaf.
unbaked oatmeal meatloaf covered with ketchup in a white baking dish

HOW LONG TO COOK OATMEAL MEATLOAF

Bake the meatloaf at 350° F for about an hour, longer if needed.

Again, a meat thermometer is definitely something I recommend to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.

SHOULD I COVER MY MEATLOAF WHILE BAKING?

There's really no need to, unless your meatloaf starts to brown too quickly on the top or sides… But I have never had this problem.

Keep in mind, I use a gas oven, so oven times may vary.

HOW TO STORE MEATLOAF

You can keep leftover meatloaf in the original baking dish and cover with plastic wrap or foil; or you can put whatever's left in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

We usually make the BEST meatloaf sandwiches with our leftovers the next day.

CAN I FREEZE MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. Just be sure it's wrapped tightly or stored properly in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

CAN I MAKE IT AHEAD?

If you want to make meatloaf ahead of time without baking, just mix it all up, shape it in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge 'til you're ready to bake it. You can keep it in the fridge overnight.

homemade meatloaf in a white baking dish

WHAT IS THE BEST GROUND BEEF FOR MEATLOAF?

We prefer to use 90/10 ground beef when we're mixing up a meatloaf. In fact, we use 90/10 for pretty much everything.

Our reasons are that it's leaner, there's less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf.

Don't worry about flavor… You'll still get really good flavor from a leaner ground beef. And you'll also be eating a bit healthier, as well.

Note: You can use ground turkey for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE OLD-FASHIONED OATS FOR QUICK OATS?

Yes, you can. I've used both old-fashioned oats and quick oats for this meatloaf.

I've even used gluten-free quick oats more recently, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf with oats, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients just to be safe).

WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOR OATMEAL?

If you must use something other than oatmeal, you can use bread crumbs or crackers. I've subbed gluten-free saltine crackers in a pinch, and they make a delicious meatloaf.

forked bite of meatloaf with oatmeal on white plate

GOOD SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH MEATLOAF

When it’s fully cooked, remove it from the oven; and serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or broccoli.

You can even do what my family absolutely LOVES to do with meatloaf… Make the most delicious meatloaf sandwich ever! Mmmm, I love meatloaf sandwiches… My favorite way to use leftovers!

MORE FAVORITE GROUND BEEF RECIPES:

If you love this easy meatloaf recipe, you'll love these meaty main dishes too…

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double image of meatloaf recipe with oatmeal, including top image of ketchup-covered whole meatloaf in white baking dish, and bottom image of bite of oatmeal meatloaf on fork on white plate

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Easy Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

How to make the best meatloaf recipe with oatmeal and ground beef. Simple, easy, delicious dinner idea that's quick to mix up. Recipe with how to video!
4.49 from 89 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner Ideas, main dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 377kcal
Author: Mel Lockcuff

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350° F, and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Add all of the ingredients, including the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, bbq sauce, oatmeal, and seasoned salt, to a large mixing bowl. Mix well using a large fork; or you can just use your hands.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to the greased 9×13 baking dish, and shape it into a loaf.
  • Squirt ketchup all over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake the meatloaf for about an hour, or longer if needed. I definitely recommend a meat thermometer, to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.
  • When it’s fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven; slice it and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

*We prefer to use 90/10 ground beef when we're mixing up a meatloaf. Our reasons are that it's leaner, there's less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf. Don't worry about flavor… You'll still get really good flavor from a leaner ground beef. And it'll also be a bit healthier, as well.
Note: You can use ground turkey for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.
*I've used both old-fashioned oats and quick oats for this meatloaf. I've even used gluten-free quick oats more recently, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf with oats, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients just to be safe).
SHOULD I COVER MY MEATLOAF WHILE BAKING?
There's really no need to, unless your meatloaf starts to brown too quickly on the top or sides… But I have never had this problem. Keep in mind, I use a gas oven, so oven times may vary.
HOW TO STORE MEATLOAF
You can keep leftover meatloaf in the original baking dish and cover with plastic wrap or foil; or you can put whatever's left in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
We always make the BEST meatloaf sandwiches with our leftovers the next day.
CAN I FREEZE MEATLOAF?
Yes, you can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. Just be sure it's wrapped tightly or stored properly in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
CAN I MAKE IT AHEAD?
If you want to make meatloaf ahead of time without baking, just mix it all up, shape it in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge 'til you're ready to bake it. You can keep it in the fridge overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 828mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g
Tried this Recipe? Tag us Today!Mention @mellockcuff or tag #aomrecipes!

Update Notes: This recipe was originally published on March 20, 2014, but was updated in November 2020.

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36 thoughts on “Easy Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal”

  1. Being on a ketovore eating plan, I don’t use oats (they’re oats; oatmeal is the cooked grain product), but use keto “bread” crumbs instead. Otherwise, this is the same recipe I’ve used since Dad taught me to cook 62 years ago. Living alone now, though, I make either the full recipe in two loaf pans, freezing one after it’s cooked, cooled, sliced and wrapped tightly, or I cut the recipe in half. Either way, it’s a good recipe.

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    Question: HOW MUCH QUICK OATS FOR 1 LB. OF HAMBURGER? 1/2 CUP or 1?

    Finely found a recipe I don’t have to alter much. I cut it an half since I cook for 1. Dr. put me on a very low fat, very low salt diet. I have salt free ketchup and BBQ sauce and have even ordered salt free seasoning salt. A packet of beef Herb Ox or a tsp of NO Salt would make up the difference. Might add a Tbsp of Worcestershire sauce & a tsp of smoked paprika just because I love what they do to beef recipes, Your recipe sounds really good without them. Blessings

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    My mom makes the family meatloaf. I decided to try this myself. It looks so good. Mom loved it and had seconds. Delicious. Easy to make.

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    Excellent, FAST, DELICIOUS recipe! My family and I were very pleased with dinner tonight!
    So easy and quick to put together, and all the ingredients are most likely in your kitchen already. They were in mine, and I don’t shop often!! Definitely a keeper!!!

    Reply

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