• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Meatloaf

Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025 by Angela Latimer · 30 Comments

Meatloaf (with Oatmeal)

Jump to Recipe
Meatloaf with oatmeal pin with text header overlay.

This easy, homemade meatloaf with oatmeal combines hearty ground beef with my DIY meatloaf seasoning, oats, and a classic ketchup glaze. Follow along with my easy step-by-step instructions or see my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf for all the best meatloaf-making tips. My traditional meatloaf recipe is so perfectly tender and moist it's sure to be a new family favorite weeknight dinner!

I love to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery peas, or roasted brussel sprouts.

Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Meatloaf with Oats
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
  • ❓ Meatloaf with Oatmeal Recipe FAQs
  • 😋 More Tasty Meatloaf Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

I love meatloaf recipes! It’s a classic way to use ground beef and it’s always hearty and delicious. This vintage meatloaf with oats recipe is a tasty take that reminds me of Grandma’s meatloaf.

It’s simple and no fuss, but there’s no shortage of flavor. It’s a mostly hands-off recipe that comes together quickly and always satisfies. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you have an amazing family dinner.

🥘 Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – I prefer ground chuck for this recipe, but you can also use a ground beef/ground pork combination. See all of my best meatloaf meat recommendations.
  • Quick Oats – Oats are an old-school addition to meatloaf that makes it super wholesome and filling. Be sure to use quick oats and not old-fashioned or steel-cut oats, because they won’t soften or blend into the meat as well. If you prefer, you can use plain breadcrumbs or panko instead of oats.
  • White Onion – The onion should be finely diced or grated so it incorporates into the meat well. I prefer white onion, but you can use yellow onion.
  • Eggs – Eggs are the binder for this meatloaf recipe. I recommend beating the eggs before adding them.
  • Meatloaf Seasoning – You can use my tasty meatloaf seasoning recipe or use 1 packet of store-bought meatloaf seasoning mix.
  • Ketchup – This will be mixed in with the meat mixture, but use more if you like to top the meatloaf with a ketchup glaze!

Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!

🔪 How To Make Meatloaf with Oats

I love how easy this meatloaf recipe is, it whips up in 5 simple steps and is perfect for any occasion. There are directions for an optional ketchup glaze if you desire (I highly recommend it).

This recipe yields 1 standard-sized meatloaf, that I slice into 10 portions. It makes 6-8 portions if you're hungry. 🤤

Prep & Combine Meatloaf Mixture

Step 1: Prep. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4). Then, lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan, or line a rimmed baking sheet, with paper. Finely dice or grate ½ cup white onion (about 1 medium onion or ½ a large onion).

Step 2: Add ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 pounds ground beef, 1½ cups quick oats, ½ cup chopped white onion, 3 large eggs (beaten), 1 tablespoon meatloaf seasoning, and ⅓ cup ketchup (photo 1).

Step 3: Combine the meatloaf mixture. Mix the meat and ingredients with your hands until just combined (photo 2). Do not overmix!

Process photo 3 meatloaf shaped and ready to cook.

Transfer & Bake

Step 4: Shape the loaf. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to your prepared loaf pan, then shape it so that the loaf is mounded at the top. Alternatively, you can transfer the loaf mixture to your prepared baking sheet (photo 3) and form it into a loaf approximately the same size as a loaf pan (9x5-inch).

Step 5: Bake your meatloaf. Place the meatloaf in the center of your oven’s middle rack and bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 50 minutes. Then, remove the meatloaf from the oven and coat it with an additional ⅓ cup of ketchup or BBQ sauce if desired.

Step 6: Finish cooking. Return the meatloaf to the oven and cook for 10 to 20 minutes. The meatloaf will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Rest and serve. When your meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and drain off excess grease. Then, allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Take a look at some great side dish ideas for meatloaf.

Wide image of the sliced meatloaf with oatmeal on white platter.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • Egg Beating Technique: Beat the eggs before adding them to the meat mixture. This prevents the meat from becoming tough and overmixed, ensuring easier and quicker incorporation of the eggs.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Worcestershire sauce is a key ingredient in meatloaf for added flavor. Alternatively, consider adding balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for an extra flavor boost.
  • Seasoning Alternatives: If you're out of meatloaf seasoning packets or ingredients for homemade seasoning, use this simple mix: 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika), ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To make the recipe gluten-free, use quick oats that are specifically labeled as gluten-free, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

🥡 Storing & Reheating

For leftovers, wrap the meatloaf well with aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container, and it will last for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze either a whole cooked meatloaf or leftover meatloaf slices. Wrap the cooled meatloaf well with plastic cling film, and then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. See my guide on how to freeze meatloaf.

Freeze for up to 3 months then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The oven is my favorite way to reheat without drying it out. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) and place the leftovers into a baking dish.

Add a splash of water or broth to the dish, then cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Reheat in your oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is at least 165°F (74°C). Get all of my methods and tips in my guide on how to reheat meatloaf.

❓ Meatloaf with Oatmeal Recipe FAQs

What does oatmeal do when added to meatloaf?

Oatmeal is a filler that works just like breadcrumbs in meatloaf. It provides structure so the meatloaf doesn’t fall apart when cooking or slicing.
Fillers like oatmeal or breadcrumbs also help to keep the meat tender and moist so it doesn’t have the firm texture of a hamburger, for example. Oats also keep the meatloaf gluten-free for those who can’t eat gluten.

How do I glaze meatloaf?

If you’re anything like me, you love the sticky-sweet ketchup glaze that coats the top of meatloaf. It is super easy to do.
Simply spread a layer of ketchup (or BBQ sauce for even more flavor) over the top of the meatloaf. Then, bake the meatloaf until the glaze caramelizes.
If you’d prefer, you can always add extra brown sugar, seasonings, or liquid smoke to your glaze to make it taste exactly the way your family will love.

Tall overhead image of the cooked and sliced meatloaf with oatmeal on platter.

😋 More Tasty Meatloaf Recipes

  • Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
  • Stove Top Meatloaf
  • Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
  • Smoked Meatloaf
  • Air Fryer Meatloaf
  • A square image showing tender wok-fried strips of chicken breast with peppers (firecracker chicken) in a black bowl over white rice with a set of chopsticks.
    Panda Express Firecracker Chicken Breast
  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas
  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
See more Main Dish →

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Square image of the sliced meatloaf with oatmeal on white platter.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
4.98 from 138 reviews

Meatloaf (Traditional Recipe with Oatmeal)

This easy, homemade meatloaf with oatmeal combines hearty ground beef with my DIY meatloaf seasoning, oats, and a classic ketchup glaze. Follow along with my easy step-by-step instructions or see my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf for all the best meatloaf-making tips. My traditional meatloaf recipe is so perfectly tender and moist it's sure to be a new family favorite weeknight dinner!
1x recipe yields 10 servings or 6-8 larger servings. See my best meatloaf seasoning, how to freeze meatloaf, and how to reheat meatloaf for great tips on making perfect meatloaf!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 309kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 1 hour hour
Resting Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 2 lbs ground beef (ground chuck is preferred, or use a ground beef/ground pork combo)
  • 1½ cups quick oats (or plain breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup white onion (or yellow onion, finely diced)
  • 3 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon meatloaf seasoning (see recipe, or use 1 packet of store-bought seasoning mix)
  • ⅓ cup ketchup (plus more for topping the meatloaf if desired)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

Prep & Combine Meatloaf Mixture

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) and lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 lbs ground beef, 1½ cups quick oats, diced ½ cup white onion, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon meatloaf seasoning, and ⅓ cup ketchup.
    Process photo 1 ingredients add into mixing bowl.
  • Mix until just combined, do not over-mix.
    Process photo 2 fully combined meatloaf.

Transfer & Bake

  • Transfer the meatloaf mixture into your prepared loaf pan then shape so that the loaf is mounded at the top. Or transfer the loaf mixture to your baking sheet and form it into a loaf approximately the same size as a loaf pan (9x5-inch).
    Process photo 3 meatloaf shaped and ready to cook.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 50 minutes, remove from the oven, and coat with an additional ⅓ cup of ketchup or BBQ sauce if desired.
  • Return to the oven and finish cooking for an additional 10-20 minutes. Your meatloaf is done when it has an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove from the oven when done, drain off the excess grease, and then allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • A splash of Worcestershire sauce is pretty much a go-to, must-have ingredient in my meatloaf recipes. If you love Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce feel free to add a bit for flavor!
  • If you don't have meatloaf seasoning packets on hand and/or don't have all of the spices for my homemade meatloaf seasoning, you can use these measurements as a base: 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika), ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 11g (4%) | Protein: 19g (38%) | Fat: 20g (31%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg (40%) | Sodium: 155mg (7%) | Potassium: 345mg (10%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 122IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 33mg (3%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Beef Dishes, Dinner Recipes, Main Dish
Cuisine American
« Fish Sauce Substitute
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.98 from 138 votes (116 ratings without comment)

    Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Anonymous says

    September 07, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    4 stars
    Tasty but a little dry! Will try it again thanks for sharing

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    August 19, 2024 at 6:53 pm

    5 stars
    Best meatloaf ever and I always have oatmeal on hand. So easy and so delicious, a new family favorite for sure.

    Reply
  3. Karen Longstreet says

    October 04, 2023 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    I'm making the meatloaf right now. Easy to follow instructions, and easy to put together. Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Tony says

    September 24, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    I enjoy meatloaf ... a lot! I've never been fussy about meatloaf ... I like them all, but this recipe is awesome!!! I've made it 4 times already and NOTHING has gone to waste. Hot the first night right out of the oven (I cook it out on the balcony in my air fryer so I don't have to turn on the oven in Florida's 90 degree heat!) and then for a few days on good old Wonder bread as a meatloaf sandwich.

    Great simple quick and delicious as a main dish with mashed potatoes or in a sandwich with ketchup.

    Reply
  5. d hartt says

    August 27, 2023 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    taste great oatmeal meatloaf the recipes u have are the best very clear an easy to understand i am 80 and enjoy your recipes thanks

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      August 27, 2023 at 9:40 am

      Thank you! So glad you enjoy them 🙂

      Reply
  6. Judith G says

    July 09, 2023 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    Tried many times to do a meatloaf and never succeeded, crumbling, dry, overcooked, tasting like breadcrumbs.
    This one came out amazing, I also did the meatloaf seasoning and definitely a keeper.
    Loved it!

    Reply
  7. Gail Knippenberg says

    February 23, 2023 at 10:48 am

    I was wondering if I can substitute ground turkey for ground beef?

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      February 23, 2023 at 11:12 am

      Yes, most definitely! Make sure to add some fat and be aggressive with seasoning to add flavor. Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. jill says

    February 19, 2023 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    Great success. I adjusted the recipe a bit since I dislike garlic. It was 100/% wonderful.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    December 16, 2022 at 9:36 am

    5 stars
    I am making this recipe again today. Will be third time and absolutely delicious. I didn’t change one thing ty

    Reply
  10. Miranda says

    October 07, 2022 at 7:34 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing however I couldn’t taste much of the seasoning so I doubled her meatloaf seasoning to 2 tbsp and added extra salt. The texture was spot on and I’ve never seen a more beautiful meatloaf ever! Thank you I’m done looking for the perfect meatloaf recipe!

    Reply
  11. Scarlet says

    October 06, 2022 at 3:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is just like my Mom makes! I could never duplicate. Will be making this again, so yummy!

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      October 07, 2022 at 9:49 am

      That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing your results!

      Reply
  12. Angele says

    September 16, 2022 at 6:42 am

    5 stars
    Merci pour les bons conseils.
    "Thanks for the good advice."

    Reply
  13. Phillip says

    August 27, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    i wanted to let you know that this was one of the tastiest meatloafs i have had. i found a few more on your website i am going to try. good job btw

    Reply
  14. Yolanda B says

    August 25, 2022 at 9:39 am

    4 stars
    Yummy, we really like the meatloaf I thought that it could use a touch more ketchup but overall, really good, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  15. Leigh says

    August 22, 2022 at 10:10 am

    I used old fashioned oats because we never eat quick oats. It turned out perfect.

    Reply
  16. Yolonda Penn says

    August 18, 2022 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    Your recipes never seem to disappoint. This one reminds me of the meatloaf Granny used to make I served this meatloaf with some beef gravy and mashed potatoes.

    Reply
  17. Jamie conrad says

    July 30, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    5 stars
    This was incredible, easy and fun to make with my kids!!!😊

    Reply
  18. Donna says

    July 26, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    One of my sister's doesn't like to cook much anymore. I decided to make a few meals to take to her and her and her husband. She requested meat loaf made with oatmeal. This is the recipe I found. Cooked this evening -- it was great ! Enough for them to have a few meals and a few dinners at home. Looking forward to a meatloaf sandwich too ! Will make again.

    Reply
  19. Kathy Pearson says

    July 09, 2022 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Simple instructions too. 😍

    Reply
  20. Jen says

    July 02, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    5 stars
    It came out great! Thank you!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Grilling Recipes

  • Tasty, easy cookout food ideas to make and feed a crowd this summer.
    Easy Cookout Food Ideas: Best Dishes To Bring To A Cookout
  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)
  • Square image of sliced Denver steak on a cutting board.
    Denver Steak
  • Square image of grilled ostrich steaks.
    Grilled Ostrich Steaks
  • Square image of grilled pineapple.
    Grilled Pineapple
  • Square image of sliced grilled skirt steak.
    Grilled Skirt Steak
See more Grilled →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes
  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes
  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring
  • Tasty Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken plated and partially sliced.
    Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
  • Tasty baked ricotta chicken recipe dished up on a light tan plate with pasta.
    Baked Ricotta Chicken
  • Best Italian recipes collage square featuring four tasty dishes like lasagna and fried calamari.
    Best Italian Recipes Straight from Nonna's Kitchen
See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.