I love eating and baking sponge cake, even if it's just served plain.

How to Make Meatloaf

Many people learn how to make meatloaf when they first start cooking. It's a versatile recipe that can be made in many different ways. However, it's hard to beat a classic recipe like the Quaker Oats one or an easy recipe like the Lipton onion soup meatloaf recipe. Both are simple recipes that have proven themselves over the years.

However, I really believe that my recipe beats both of them because it contains the best of both meatloaf worlds. My version has the quick oats added instead of bread crumbs. I believe that oats give a better texture, and you never bite into a soggy piece of bread like a person sometimes does when eating meatloaf made with bread crumbs. Also, my recipe uses onion soup mix like the classic Lipton soup meatloaf recipe. This greatly reduces preparation time. No onions to chop! Plus, the onion soup mix adds lots of flavor.

Take note, though, that my meatloaf recipe is not firm and dry like many versions. If you like your dish firm like that often found in restaurants, you may not like this version. Personally, I can't stand dry meatloaf. That's why so many people drown their meatloaf in ketchup. My recipe has a sweet topping that requires nothing else to be added to the finished version when it's done.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 3/4 cup uncooked oats
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 egg
• 1 envelope onion soup mix

Topping Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all of the meatloaf ingredients (not including the topping) in a large bowl.
3. Mix well, making sure to get the soup mix combined well with the rest of the meatloaf ingredients.
4. Shape ground beef mixture into a loaf shape in a large baking pan. Glass baking pans are better, as the meatloaf doesn't stick as badly and you can see through the dish if the meatloaf is done.
5. Place in oven for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, mix all of the meatloaf topping ingredients together in a small bowl. Mix well to avoid lumps in the brown sugar. A fork works best to mix up the meatloaf topping.
7. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
8. Spread the meatloaf topping evenly over the meatloaf with a spatula or pastry brush.
9. Return the meatloaf to the oven at 350 degrees for approximately another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Let meatloaf stand for about five minutes before slicing.

Serves 6

Meatloaf may be stored frozen for 3 months.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe With Oatmeal Comments

Denise on April 16, 2017:

I made this meatloaf for dinner tonight and let me tell you, I will use this recipe every time. This is exactly the way I like my meatloaf. The texture and flavor is right on point. Thank you for posting this delicious recipe.

Lisa on July 01, 2015:

OH my goodness!!! This was so delicious! I made this for my DH and myself, and I couldn't stay away. I are the last quarter of it 2 days later, not offering it up to anyone else. So yummy. I cannot wait to make it again. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

Denise on January 26, 2015:

This was a great and easy recipe to follow. My husband is not much of a meatloaf lover, I think bc his moms is bland, and he LOVED it!! I used turkey and instead of ketchup, bc we didn't have any, I used barbecue sauce. It turned out great. Thanks from a busy Mom !!!

Shaina on August 05, 2014:

I made this recipe last weekend and it was freaking delicious!!!

Do you think it would turn out okay with ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Denise on July 19, 2014:

Paulette. Some of us look for EASY, CHEAP AND DELICIOUS recipes. beef pork and veal... I can't afford all three. Beef is good enough. MEATLOAF IS DELICIOUS. Thanks for the delicous recipe. Oh i work 3 jobs so i buy my peppers already chopped. I guess i'm LAZY !!

Sheila on October 27, 2013:

This is the best meat loaf recipe that I have ever tried.

Love meat loaf...made it last night and it was great...I used a mixture of ground beef and ground pork. The topping sauce was wonderfully.

Just had a cold meatloaf sandwich and it was like a really good pâté'.

I will only use this recipe from here on....thanks

robin on February 21, 2013:

Only meatloaf I am allowed to make. It is awesome

Sandy on April 04, 2012:

Just made your meatloaf and my husband says "score". He loved it and so did I. Thanks for the recipie!

Alyssa Rae on March 26, 2012:

Sobi absolutely love meatloaf and after finding this recipe, my family literally wants me to make it everyday. I can seriously never get tired of it. It's the best!(:

TLM on March 25, 2012:

I think it is great that you put this online for so many others. I am sure you are busy and it sounds delicious. I am going to make it today.

Sarah Gomes on March 17, 2012:

Fantastic Recipe and the pictures just make it so so good. Thanks so much. I was searching for some good oats recipe after finding out how good oats are in this article on oats nutrition facts page (given below) and found this. I am really thankful. I will try this out tonight and get back with my experience.

http://vegweightlossdiets.com/good-diet/oats-nutri...

Clark on March 09, 2012:

Try using the Quaker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal that you find in the packets. Adds a great flavor and sweetness.

I also add milk and mustard along with the catsup, or sometimes BBQ sauce. Raw bell peppers and rosted red peppers never hurt. In fact, go wild...but this basic recipe is the best. I know, because my friends that would never eat their mother's meatloaf, couldn't stop eating mine. Or should I say Mom's

Jana on March 07, 2012:

Ive been looking for a meatloaf recipe similar to this for what seems like eons!! Thank you, cannot wait to test it out-especially after all the raves!

& yes sometimes those of us who cook, no matter our skill level (mine is quite high), need a quick and easy recipe. I don't like spending every evening in the kitchen; I'd rather spend that time with my family!

Thank you for sharing, i'll let you know how mine turns out and what I did to tweak it :))

Bryon on February 28, 2012:

This was my first time to make meatloaf and it was the best I have ever had. Thanks for the recipe

Kate on January 14, 2012:

This was amazing! Thanks for the recipe!

hawaiihibou on January 12, 2012:

Sounds delicious! I like my meatloaf without ketchup though. Always love reading recipes like yours. Thanks!

jade on November 10, 2011:

its in the oven i cant wait to taste it! i will report back once we eat.... IT SMELLS AWESOME already

valleri on October 24, 2011:

My grandmother taught me to use regular oatmeal in meatloaf over 45 years ago. One change I would suggest to the above recipe... don't use the onion soup. It's loaded with sodium. If you want convenience just use dehydrated chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dehydrated parley instead.

Gerbinschwertin on August 24, 2011:

Paulette has obvious no "culinary" taste. Poor behaivour in the place where we all eats. Too bad she does not make recipe bake for us! We tell how bad it is then. Poo-poo, Paulette!

Carrie on March 20, 2011:

I tried this a month ago and was the best meatloaf I've ever had! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

vin on February 22, 2011:

Paulette.. Your typing all in CAPS says it all about you. I don't eat veal, nor like celery and peppers in my meatloaf. Maybe where you come from, that is standard, but your way isn't the only way. Get a grip on yourself.

JenF on February 11, 2011:

My hubby and kids loved the meatloaf! In fact, I am making it again tonite! Yummy!

Marie on February 01, 2011:

Hey, my Mom cooks hers on top of the stove in an

iron skillet, haven't you guys heard of that?

Kathy on January 20, 2011:

After looking at several different recipes, I decided on this one because the ingredients sounded good and it seemed fairly easy to put together. I thought that it would just be my husband and I that would be eating it for dinner because my three teenagers said that they didn't like meatloaf. That all changed when I put the meatloaf on the table at dinnertime. They all tried it and LOVED it! I definetly will be making meatloaf a lot more now. Thank you for sharing!

Milly on January 19, 2011:

My husband & I have been eating meatloaf since we were children, born befor WWll and I make it every couple of months, am looking forward to using your version, sounds so gooood!! As for P she needs a life and stop being RUDE!!!!

Milly on January 19, 2011:

My husband & I have been eating meatloaf since we were children, born befor WWll and I make it every couple of months, am looking forward to using your version, sounds so gooood!! As for P she needs a life and stop being RUDE!!!!

Barb on January 09, 2011:

This was delicious! My family loved the topping...easy and yummy!!

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on October 07, 2010:

Kim, I think that you will enjoy cooking. But sometimes we all need an easy recipe that also tastes great, which is the reason for this meatloaf recipe. Yes, foil is okay. But if you use a glass baking pan, it really isn't necessary. Cleanup is pretty easy. And yes, prepared mustard.

kim on October 06, 2010:

so i'm a college sstudent who is kinda new to the whole cookin gthing. and i really wanna to take a try at meatloaf. but i have a couple questions:

1) is it ok to put foil in the baking sheet?

2) what is prepared mustard?

Linda K on September 26, 2010:

I tried the recipe; and wow!! this an awsome recipe. My family is healthe consciency. Paulette, cmon now... Veal Pork. I hope you're going to the gym.

L

Chasity on September 21, 2010:

Absolutely FABULOUS and DELICIOUS recipe that is loved by our entire family and a complete ease to make (and that's coming from someone who hates to cook, lol). Thanks for posting it to share with us all!

bonnie on September 11, 2010:

this meat loaf is delicious and so simple to make.thanks for the recipe.I make it often.

Ladybyrd on September 04, 2010:

Dear Angela, I know this thread is several years old but I see people are still trying it. Well, I stopped eating a lot of bread products a while ago so I was looking for an alternative. I had all the ingredients in your recipe so I tried it. It turned out amazing and was so easy to follow. As to the rude Paulette, I hope you got past your menopausal rant and are human again. If you do not like a recipe you read, move the hell on. Do not make assumptions about the originator of the recipe. If you don't approve, write your own recipe and shut the hell up. I am not lazy and am in fact a gourmet cook as well as a canner and food preserver. I even make my own sun-dried tomotoes. Sometimes weather does not permit me to run out and get what I need so I use what I have on hand. Get over your damn self.

Thanks again Angela. Good job!

Rachel on August 30, 2010:

i never cook, and my boyfriend always talked about how he was going to make meat loaf "one day". so for our anniversary i decided to surprise him and make meat loaf. not only was this very easy to make (that's saying a lot seeing as how i'm not a very good cook) but it turned out perfect and he liked it so much, he ate the entire loaf. (i had 1 piece). This recipe is tasty but simple, which is the best part about it. NOT EVERYONE LIKES VEAL AND ONIONS AND PEPPPERS ;P

Jamie on August 26, 2010:

I am gonna make this tonight. it looks perty easy as I dont always have a lot of time. Thanks for the recipe and I know it will be fab look at all the good comments.

As for Paulette you must not have a job or even kids if you always have time to make such dinners. People that have kids, jobs, and a life don't always have a lot of time. It does not make us lazy. I would rather fix a quick yummy meal and get to spend more time with my family that i cherish.

Annie on July 22, 2010:

I just made this meatloaf tonight! I got distracted by my kitten jumping onto the counter and ended up mixing the meat in with the topping mix, lol. I was nervous on how it would turn out, but I went ahead and made another bowl of topping and put it on it anyways. Just ate it, and it was amazing! Thanks for the easy recipe :)

Jackpot on July 14, 2010:

How much ketchup goes into the meatloaf?

Becky on June 27, 2010:

Yummy! I added some parmesan cheese this time and it was delicious!!! :)

Laura on June 10, 2010:

I am so happy i found this recipe! my family absolutely loves it! i hated meatloaf before (I thought dry was the only way) but like others i needed to do grocery shopping and fortunately had all the ingredients for this recipe. thanks so much i make this at least once a month now. it is so juicy makes great leftovers as it doesn't dry out.

My mother-in-law likes to make her meatloaf with fresh onions, peppers, and celery and i hate it! if you don't like the recipe than don't use it it is as simple as that no need to be cruel.

queenie on April 12, 2010:

GREAT MEATLOAF AS FOR ONIONS CELERY AND PEPPERS SOUNDS DISGUSTING!!! you are soooo rude paulette

shay on April 07, 2010:

i like meatloaf

Becky on March 21, 2010:

OMG That was the best Meatloaf Ever!!! Thanks so much for posting such a "Lazy" recipe (that comment was for Paulette)!! Even my kids will love it I am sure since there aren't onions, celery and peppers in it (sorry, her post just really got under my skin)!! Anyway......Post some more quick easy recipes PLEASE!!! :)

Becky on March 21, 2010:

I am not much of a cook because my kids and I are simple eaters and I really don't enjoy cooking....but, I work in a home where I have to cook for 6 residents!! I am looking forward to trying this recipe tonight! I have all the ingredients ready and waiting and my mouth is watering already!! I will let you know how everyone liked it and I am sure I will be making it at home soon too!! :)

Oh and Paulette.....are YOU kidding me? That was just RUDE! Did you ever think that maybe some people don't like onions, celery and peppers. Why in the world would you think that people who use this recipe are LAZY? Well, if that is the case, I am happy to be Lazy......it is MUCH better than being RUDE!

oj on March 19, 2010:

I was so pumped to try this I made copies for 2 of the people I work with and we all had the same result...AWESOME!!! I knew it was a keeper when I dropped off a plate to my dad and a few hours later he calls and said to bring some more over anytime!! My husband loved it too and I barely got any left overs! Thanks

Star on February 28, 2010:

Going to use this recipe tomorrow...I cant wait! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Ignore the negative people(person lol) on this site. It was so unnecessary that I just had to say something. I will let you know how it goes!!

Star on February 28, 2010:

Dear Paulette,

I agree that doing the whole old fashion prep wokrk by yourself is healthier and probably tastes better but this is a great easyyy recipe you make if you don't have that much time. I guess people like you have a whole lot of time on their hands. Sounds like you just need a good ole' fashion asswoopin... Since your probably a miserable college student that thinks her shit don't stink... Maybe you should go to etiquette school next ok?

Darcy on February 09, 2010:

This is the closest I could find to my Grandma's meatloaf "recipe" that I've been trying to replicate for years! I did reduce the amount of ketchup, otherwise it's GREAT! :-)

Billie on January 31, 2010:

I wanted to make a meatloaf for my husband and chose this easy recipe because it didn't have any ingredients that any of my 3 picky children would protest. It turned out to be the best meatloaf I've ever had. The meatloaf was moist, full of flavor, and easy to prepare, comfort food at its finest. Everyone ate seconds. I'm only disappointed that there are no leftovers for cold meatloaf sandwiches.

Victoria on January 02, 2010:

That sounds super easy - something that I can do without having to take too much attention away from my newborn - and it sounds delicious too!

Thanks so much!

Melissa on October 19, 2009:

This meatloaf is great!! Instead of using 1 1/2 lb hamburger I did 1 lb hamburger and 1 lb jimmy dean hot sausage and didn't use the mustard or onion soup in the recipe. Its soooo great!!

Olivia on September 27, 2009:

Dear Angela, I just wanted to say thanks, had been making this meatloaf this Sunday and forgotten how great the oats are in it, so I goggled and got yours and it turned out FAB!!!!...especially that YUMMIE topping, wow it was a huge hit...thanks again, hun...you rock, load some more good recipes, have you got a good mac/cheese one too?...love and thanks, Olivia...oh and yeah, Paulette, your skills are needed at the dogpound, babe, "grrr", ha ha ha,

Beth on June 22, 2009:

This recipe was awesome! We are not big meatloaf eaters...but, it was the day before my visit to the grocery store and I had all of the ingredients in my pantry so, I figured I would try it...It was rich and delicious...my husband loved it!! I will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing!

Dan on March 26, 2009:

hey there great meatloaf will be having it often THANKS

Blue on March 13, 2009:

With regards to that Paulette chick the whole point of the recipe is to be EASY! Adding things in is optional!

I think this is an awesome recipe! I am someone who does not cook very well and am trying to learn and this was a great point-scorer with the husband haha

Kudos to you Angela!

Stacey on January 27, 2009:

Angela-

Thank you for this recipe! I used ground turkey instead... but the meatloaf was the best I've ever had! The meatloaf was the perfect consistency... moist.. juicy.. and super flavorful! It was also super easy and inexpensive to make. I had all the ingredients in my kitchen, aside from the ground turkey! Thank you again! I will make this for my boyfriend tonight!

Tina on January 14, 2009:

Well, I enjoyed this as it is close to my grandmas recipe in taste. She was born just before the depression and this was a splurge meal for her family back then.

PAULETTE on January 12, 2009:

ARE YOU KIDDING.

PLEASE TELL ME THAT YOU ARE KIDDING. YOUR TO LAZY TO PUT REAL ONIONS, AND CELERY AND GREEN PEPPERS IN.

YOU COULD HAVE USED VEAL, PORK AND BEEF.

wHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU. YOU INSULT CULINARY ART.

I CAN SEE THAT MY SKILL WILL BE NEEDED ON THIS SITE.

SORRY FOR BEING SO FOREFUL, BUT I REALLY GET UPTIGHT, WHEN I SEE A RECIPE GONE BAD.

PAULETTE

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on May 03, 2008:

Sally, sorry I missed the comment for so long. Did you get to compare the meatloaf recipes? A meatloaf recipe Hubpages contest would be awesome!

Live N Learn, health reasons is one of the reasons that I like this meatloaf recipe, too. My son loves meatloaf, so this is a healthier version.

OOOO Jon, I will have to try hoisin sauce on meatloaf. It sounds like a great variation when I'm wanting a bit of a change.

Jon on May 01, 2008:

I make your meatloaf recipe about once a month. I ran out of ketchup for the topping last time, so I used hoisin sauce to make up the difference. Great the first night, and as a hot or cold leftover.

Live N Learn from Las Vegas on March 18, 2008:

Because I want to stay healthy, I cut out the red meat from my diet. But when I came across your meatloaf recipe with OATMEAL, I am now having second thoughts. I think I'll add this meatloaf-con-oatmeal to my weekend treats. Thanks for the hard-to-resist recipe!

Sherri from Southeastern Pennsylvania on March 14, 2008:

I can't wait to try your recipe. I love dried onion soup, at all times, as an ingredient to enhance a meat dish. But I've never tried it with meatloaf.

I have a recipe my family has enjoyed forever. It's not too much more difficult than yours, but it has different ingredients. Ours is moist, flavorful, and cuts like silk. I need a few days to make a comparison here, but I'm really charged!

Do you think HubPages would like to have a meatloaf recipe runoff? :)

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on March 14, 2008:

Rachel, thank you so much for the comments. It's so nice to hear a story like that with a happy ending.

Kimberly and Terry, Thanks!

Sally, walnut meatloaf? Sounds interesting!

Blair, I'm so flattered! Thank you so much for the praise. I'm blushing!

Blair on March 11, 2008:

I made this recipe tonight for my mom and dad (I'm home from college for Spring Break.) I've always hated my mom's meatloaf because it had big chunks of onions and was so dry! But this recipe has made me fall in love with the dish. It was so moist and flavorful as well as an easy recipe to make. It was no trouble at all. My mom swears that this is how she's going to make her meatloaf from now on! (And so will I when I have my own family to cook for one day!)

Thanks for sharing!

Sally Dillon from Pacific Northwest on February 08, 2008:

Wow - that is the same recipe my mom used to make for us! I now have a great walnut "meat" loaf with no meat - but it is just as delicious!

Terry on January 28, 2008:

Great recipe! I love that it combines both the oatmeal and the onion soup. I'm going to try and adjust it for two pounds of meat the next time I make it just to have more. I'll put in a bit more of the ketchup and oatmeal but am not sure if I'll use one or two eggs. Thanks again, my family really enjoyed it.

kimberly on December 18, 2007:

that meatloaf is so tasty fast and easy

Rachel on December 09, 2007:

I am so excited to have found this recipe. This is the same recipe my family used growing up, and we lost the cookbook in a move one year and haven't been able to find it. I know it's the recipe for sure because of the oats and I'll never forget the topping -- it makes it so perfect. Thank you! It's in the oven right now!

Bob Ewing from New Brunswick on November 01, 2007:

meat loaf a childhood favourite, I have not made this in years maybe time to give it a try.

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on October 19, 2007:

Lindsey,

I have always used quick oats for this meatloaf recipe, but I would think that either would work fine.

Lindsey Glavin on October 16, 2007:

Angela,

I can't wait to try this recipe! This sounds just like my mom's but only this has quantities of ingredients :). Is it better to use quick cooking oats versus regular oatmeal?

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on September 06, 2007:

Ray,

You made my day! Thanks so much for the compliment. I've been waiting for reviews. I'm glad you liked the meatloaf recipe. I know that my family sure like meatloaf days.

Ray on September 01, 2007:

meatloaf rocked was an awesome recipe, will make again and again im sure

Angela Harris (author) from Around the USA on July 26, 2007:

Cool! It's actually exciting to think that someone is going to try one of my recipes. I hope you like it.

cgull8m from North Carolina on July 24, 2007:

That's a great Hub Angela, I love Meatloaf, I will definitely try this recipe, sounds simple and looks awesome. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers :)