If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss, no-fail meatloaf recipe, this 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 2:Mix. In a large mixing bowl, add all the meatloaf ingredients and mix until well combined. See notes.
Step 3:Shape. Add meat to the baking dish and shape it into a loaf about 10 inches long and 5 inches wide.
Step 4: Bake. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Step 5:Make the Glaze. While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze. Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
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˚.
Step 7:Drain. Carefullydrain any grease from the dish. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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:
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.
If you tried this Meatloaf with Oatmeal recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🙂
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
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.
I love meatloaf and this recipe sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it! I pinned it for later!
This is a fantastic classic meatloaf recipe. I agree, oatmeal is a terrific meatloaf ingredient. Thank you so much for sharing!
This sounds just like the recipe my Mom made when I was growing up, going to try it soon!
Thanks for the comment. It’s a great recipe and I hope you enjoy it!
Delicious…never heard about making meatloaf with oatmeals..seems super healthy. Thanks for sharing.
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.
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.
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 🙂
We are definitely a meatloaf loving household, thanks for a great recipe!
This is like that Sunday meal that you just crave after a long week of hard work. So hardy and filling.
I’ve never made meatloaf but I’m so glad I
Found your recipe because it was so easy and came out great!!
OOOO – Looks GREAT!! Think I know what’s for dinner tonight! Thanks for sharing!!
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
never tried making my own meatloaf and didnt it could be this easy. thanks for sharing
You are welcome! Making meatloaf is very easy and so delicious! I hope you try it soon.
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.
Yes, the oatmeal is great in the meatloaf mix and you can’t even tell it has been added.
Love this classic meatloaf recipe! The tip about oatmeal is very helpful. Thanks a lot for sharing!
You are welcome! 🙂