5 Delicious Meatloaf Recipes Using Oatmeal

Imagine the comfort of a warm, hearty meatloaf on a chilly evening, its savory scent wafting through your kitchen. Now, elevate that comfort with the added nutritional boost of oatmeal, transforming this classic dish into a wholesome treat. Oatmeal not only adds a unique texture but also packs in fiber and other nutrients, making your meatloaf healthier without compromising on flavor. Here's how you can explore five delicious meatloaf recipes, each highlighting oatmeal in a unique way.

1. Classic Oatmeal Meatloaf

Begin with the timeless favorite by enhancing it with oatmeal:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
  • ¾ cup quick oats
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Shape into a loaf in a baking dish.
  4. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

🍲 Note: Use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a finer texture in the loaf.

2. Gluten-Free Meatloaf Delight

If you're on a gluten-free diet, here's a recipe just for you:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 carrot, finely grated
  • 1 zucchini, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Form into a loaf shape in a loaf pan.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until fully cooked.
  5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

🌱 Note: Adding zucchini or carrot not only improves the flavor but also sneaks in some extra veggies.

3. Cheesy Oatmeal Meatloaf

Bring a cheesy twist to your meatloaf:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
  • ¾ cup oats
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine all ingredients except half the BBQ sauce.
  3. Press into a loaf pan.
  4. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce on top.
  5. Bake for 55-60 minutes.
  6. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

🧀 Note: The BBQ sauce glaze adds an irresistible sweetness to the savory meatloaf.

4. Spicy Oatmeal Meatloaf

For those who love a bit of heat:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • ¾ cup oats
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Form into a loaf in a loaf pan.
  4. Bake for 1 hour.
  5. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

🔥 Note: The heat from the jalapeño and hot sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste.

5. Vegan Oatmeal Lentil Loaf

A delicious alternative for vegetarians and vegans:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (vegan egg substitute)
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté onions, carrot, and celery in oil until soft.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Pack into a loaf tin.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is browned.
  6. Let it rest before serving.

In this culinary journey through the world of meatloaf, we’ve seen how oatmeal can transform this traditional dish into something nutritionally richer and uniquely flavored. Each of the five recipes presented not only offers a variation in taste but also caters to different dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan. Here’s a summary of what we’ve covered:

• Classic Oatmeal Meatloaf: A blend of comfort and nutrition with a straightforward preparation.
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf Delight: For those avoiding gluten, this recipe with ground turkey, oats, and veggies packs flavor and health benefits.
• Cheesy Oatmeal Meatloaf: Cheese lovers will enjoy the savory glaze with a touch of BBQ sauce for added zest.
• Spicy Oatmeal Meatloaf: For spice enthusiasts, this meatloaf brings heat with jalapeño and hot sauce.
• Vegan Oatmeal Lentil Loaf: A hearty, plant-based option that utilizes lentils for texture and flavor.

As we incorporate oatmeal into our meals, we’re not only adding a delightful texture but also enriching our dishes with fiber, reducing the need for excess bread crumbs or fillers. These recipes illustrate how versatile meatloaf can be, adapting to various culinary preferences while maintaining its comforting appeal. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner, a potluck dish, or simply an innovative twist on an old favorite, these meatloaf recipes with oatmeal offer comfort, health, and delight in every slice.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats in these recipes?

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Steel-cut oats can be used, but they have a coarser texture and will take longer to cook. They might give a different texture to the meatloaf, so consider this before substituting.

How can I ensure my meatloaf is not dry?

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Using oatmeal helps retain moisture, but also ensure you don’t overmix the ingredients, which can make the meatloaf dense. Adding liquids like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or tomato sauce, and resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain moisture.

What can I serve with these meatloaf recipes?

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These meatloaves pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even gravy. The vegan option can be served with a side of quinoa, roasted root vegetables, or a vegan mashed potato alternative.