Meatloaf with Oatmeal

If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss, no-fail meatloaf recipethis Meatloaf with Oatmeal is the one to try! It’s hearty, comforting, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. This is a tried-and-true family favorite that brings everyone running to the dinner table.

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with green beans and carrots.

I’ve been making this meatloaf for years, and let me tell you, it never disappoints. The combination of quick oats, Lipton onion soup mix, and a simple, tangy-sweet glaze makes it one of the most requested meals in my house. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and always hits the spot—especially when served with garlic butter mashed potatoes and deep-fried green beans. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a classic Sunday dinner, this meatloaf delivers every time.

For more easy, family-friendly recipes, be sure to check out my recipe for steak bites in a crockpot and yellow rice with chicken.

Reader Comment

5 stars

This is a fantastic classic meatloaf recipe. I agree, oatmeal is a terrific meatloaf ingredient. Thank you so much for sharing! –Lisa

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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic meatloaf with oatmeal is simple, flavorful, and always satisfying. 

  • Moist and Tender: The meatloaf with oats and milk makes every bite moist and juicy.
  • Simple Ingredients: This meatloaf recipe with oatmeal uses everyday ingredients. This is a very easy recipe and a delicious meatloaf.
  • Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love this classic, comforting dish.
  • Flavor Packed: Lipton Onion Soup Mix, with its combination of ingredients, works well to make a tasty meal, and the meatloaf glaze is the perfect topping.
  • Tangy Glaze: This glaze combines sweet and tangy flavors, covering the top of the meatloaf. The sweetness comes from the brown sugar and the tanginess of the mustard. 

🛒 Ingredients for Oatmeal Meatloaf Recipe

The ingredients for this meatloaf recipe with oats are simple pantry items. For a complete list, please see the printable recipe card below.

  • Ground Beef: The main ingredient of the dish. I use lean ground beef (80/20) for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Use what you have; you may need to drain more grease at the end.
  • Quick Oats: The oatmeal in the meatloaf replaces breadcrumbs, helping to bind everything together while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. I use quick-cooking oats, but old-fashioned oats will work as well. 
  • Milk: Milk is needed to add moisture to the oats.
  • Eggs: This meatloaf recipe with oatmeal and eggs acts as a binder to hold everything together.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds flavor and pairs great with beef. Soy sauce will work in a pinch. It also adds extra flavor to the sauce on top.
  • Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Adds a ton of onion flavor, salt, and seasoning. I use this mix in my simple baked pork chops and yellow rice, as well as in my grilled hamburgers with Lipton onion soup mix.
  • Ketchup: The base of the glaze. It gets thick as it cooks and makes the perfect topping. 
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
  • Mustard: Adds a slight tang and balances the sweetness.

📖 Recipe Variations

  • Add Veggies: Mix finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
  • Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapenos or some red pepper flakes.
  • Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
  • Change the Topping: Swap out the ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce as the topping. Here is a family favorite and a slightly spicy sriracha bbq sauce.
  • Make Individual Loaves: Use a mini loaf pan to make individual servings or to freeze some for later.

🔪  How to Make This Recipe 

This easy meatloaf with oatmeal comes together in just a few simple steps—mix, shape, bake, and glaze—for a delicious, no-fail dinner the whole family will love.

A baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray.

Step 1: Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with foil.

Meatloaf ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: MixIn a large mixing bowl, add all the meatloaf ingredients and mix until well combined. See notes.

Meatloaf shaped in a baking dish ready for the oven.

Step 3: Shape. Add meat to the baking dish and shape it into a loaf about 10 inches long and 5 inches wide.

Bake the meatloaf in a baking dish.

Step 4: Bake. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Mix the meatloaf glaze in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Make the Glaze. While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze. Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and return to the oven.

Step 6: Glaze. After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, pull it from the oven and brush liberally with the glaze, then return it to the oven. Bake another 15- 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160˚.

Sliced meatloaf in a baking dish.

Step 7: Drain. Carefully drain any grease from the dish. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Meatloaf on a white plate with green beans and carrots.

Step 8: Enjoy. Eat the sliced meatloaf with your favorite sides.

 

💭 Pro Tips

  • Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients just until mixed.
  • Use Your Hands: I prefer to use my hands when mixing the meatloaf mixture. This method distributes everything evenly.
  • Line the Dish with Foil: For easy cleanup, line the dish with foil or spray it well with nonstick spray.
  • Let it rest – Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps prevent it from falling apart and retains the juices.

🍽  How to Serve This Dish

There are many options for serving meatloaf made with oatmeal. Here are a few of my favorite ways:

🧺  What to Do with Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave each slice or cover it with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated.
  • Repurpose: Leftover meatloaf is fabulous the next day. Here are a few great and tasty ideas.
  • Meatloaf Sandwiches: Probably the best option for my family. Slice the leftover meatloaf and serve it between two pieces of toasted bread or a bun with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, or BBQ sauce. Serve warm or cold.
  • Stuffed Peppers: Crumble the meatloaf and mix it with cooked rice, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until bubbly.
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Use crumbled meatloaf as the base in shepherd’s pie with beef, then layer on leftover veggies and mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

❔ Recipe FAQs

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

The secret to my moist meatloaf is oatmeal. Oatmeal and breadcrumbs have been used in meatloaf recipes for as long as I can remember. They act as a binder, keeping the meat moist. I always use oatmeal in my meatloaf recipe, and it always yields a moist meatloaf. I basically use this same recipe for my meatballs with Lipton onion soup mix, and they turn out perfect and delicious every time. No one will ever guess you are using oats in your mix.

Do I cover meatloaf while baking?

I do not cover my meatloaf while it’s baking. It doesn’t dry out and remains tender and moist. Most of the excess moisture will evaporate, creating a firmer meatloaf. Perfect for slicing.

What do you add to meatloaf to keep it from falling apart?

To keep your meatloaf together, add egg and oatmeal to the mix. These ingredients act as a binder, keeping your meatloaf from falling apart.

Is oatmeal better than bread crumbs in meatloaf?

The oats act as a binder in the meatloaf, helping it retain its shape while cooking and after it is sliced. The oats keep the meatloaf moist and prevent it from drying out.

Meatloaf on a white plate with green beans and carrots.

More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with green beans and carrots.

Meatloaf with Oatmeal

Gina Abernathy
Meatloaf with Oatmeal is a hearty, comforting, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. This is a tried-and-true family favorite that brings everyone running to the dinner table.
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 servings
Calories 402 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup quick oats, uncooked
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Meatloaf Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9"x13" baking dish with nonstick spray or line with foil.
  • Mix:  In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined. See notes.
  • Shape: Add meat to the baking dish and shape it into a meatloaf about 10" long and 5" wide.
  • Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  • Make the Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze. Mix the Glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Glaze: After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, pull it out of the oven and brush liberally with the glaze, return it to the oven. Bake an additional 15- 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚.
  • Carefully drain any grease from the dish. Allow meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients just until mixed.
Use Your Hands: I prefer to use my hands when mixing the meatloaf mixture. This method distributes everything evenly.
Line the Dish with Foil: For easy cleanup, line the dish with foil or spray the baking dish well with nonstick spray.
Let it rest – Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart and retain the juices.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 24gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 743mgPotassium: 528mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is a fantastic classic meatloaf recipe. I agree, oatmeal is a terrific meatloaf ingredient. Thank you so much for sharing!

  2. 5 stars
    I love simple and quick recipes. And your recipe surely fits the bill :). And I make a very similar meatloaf, the only difference is that I layer the top with bacon. My kids LOVE that little addition. Now your addition of oats is a new one to me. I often add a few pieces of bread or a piece of bun soaked in water and minced through my fingers. I guess it serves similar purpose.

  3. I Love making meatloaf but never thought of making it with quick oats. I wouldn’t think that it would keep the meatloaf moist. I am definitely trying this recipe and the best part is that I have all the ingredients already in my pantry, thanks.

  4. 5 stars
    What a great recipe! My mom used to make meatloaf once in a while when I was a kid, but I’ve never actually made it myself! I’ll have to give it a try 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    I agree with you! Meatloaf is the perfect comfort food. It’s one of my favorite American food. We make them a lot at our house. I have never made them with oatmeal before, but that sounds really good. I am going to have to try it. Thanks a lot for the tips

  6. What a great idea! I never heard of adding oats to oatmeal and meatballs. It adds heart-healthy fiber instead of just the carbs from the bread I usually add. I will be trying this next time I make it.

5 from 8 votes

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