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Meatloaf comes together quickly and easily with this gluten-free recipe! Oatmeal works just as good in creating a classic meatloaf recipe, and no one won’t even tell!

Nothing like a classic meatloaf dinner served with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal! It comes together quickly, and if you can make it healthier by adding oats and not compromising on the flavor, then why not?  Once you try this, you may not want to use crackers, panko, or breadcrumbs anymore! Using oatmeal is totally undetectable! The meatloaf glaze is so basic, made from only 3 ingredients, and makes for an irresistible icing to the meatloaf.

What Beef is best for meatloaf?

Fat plays an important role in creating a juicy meatloaf. Too much fat will be greasy, and too lean meat can make your meatloaf dry. A good percentage to stick to is 80 or 85 percent lean/15 to 20 percent fat.

Tips for making Meatloaf:

  • Keep it simple and EASY in creating the classic flavors.
  • REST your meatloaf at least 20 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape and juices.
  • Add your GLAZE towards the end of your cooking time to prevent a burnt or dry sauce.
  • Choose the right lean to fat percentage for the GROUND BEEF.
  • Bake your MEATLOAF in a loaf pan for the meat to cook in its natural juices, instead of leaking out.
  • Use any leftovers for sandwiches, spaghetti, SHEPARD’S PIE, or other recipes calling for ground beef.
  • LINE your loaf pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal.

When should I add the glaze?

Adding your meatloaf sauce is best towards the end. It takes around an hour to bake a meatloaf, and baking your glaze for that long can make for a dried-out glaze or even scorched. To achieve a sticky glaze, simply baste some towards the last 15 minutes of your cooking time for the sauce to grip the meat.

Some savory add-ins:

Here are some common ingredients found in meatloaf recipes that can easily be added or substituted in meatloaf recipes-

  • Breadcrumbs, panko, or cracker crumbs- binding agents
  • Parsley- for flavor and appearance
  • Cheese- binding agent
  • Celery- flavor and texture
  • Garlic- flavor
  • Additional spices- like Italian seasoning, paprika, and other dried herbs for additional flavor
  • Tomato paste, sauce, or juice- In place of the ketchup called for in most recipes

What’s the best way to freeze meatloaf?

Meatloaf can be frozen, cooked, or raw. Just a few things to keep in mind. IF FREEZING COOKED MEATLOAF, do not freeze with the glaze until after the loaf has been thawed and properly heated through. Underbake the meatloaf to leave some heat through time after thawing. Cool the meatloaf completely to prevent freezer burn before placing it into the freezer. TO FREEZE RAW MEATLOAF, simply freeze it solid right in the loaf pan, lined with parchment, then remove and wrap securely before placing it back into the freezer. Proceed with the recipe after proper thawing.

What to serve with Meatloaf-

 

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EASY Meatloaf Recipe

5 from 17 votes
By: Alyona Demyanchuk
Meatloaf comes together quickly and easily with this gluten-free recipe! Oatmeal works just as good in creating a classic meatloaf recipe, and no one won't even tell!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients 

MEATLOAF

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp yellow prepared mustard
  • 3 TBSP ketchup

MEATLOAF GLAZE

  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp yellow prepared mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix all meatloaf ingredients together and pat into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour.
  • Stir together the glaze ingredients and baste the meatloaf for the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

T

Nutrition (per serving)

1g Serving265kcal Calories13g Carbs15g Protein17g Fat6g Saturated Fat69mg Cholesterol648mg Sodium321mg Potassium1g Fiber10g Sugar151IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C47mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
EASY Meatloaf Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
265
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Cholesterol
 
69
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
648
mg
28
%
Potassium
 
321
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
15
g
30
%
Vitamin A
 
151
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
47
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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