Meatloaf has come a long way from back in the day. You know – that squishy, ketchupy lump of meat that we all used to dread. Bleh. What was up with that? Did mom really think she could pull a fast one on us on meatloaf day? Ah well, I’m sure there were good intentions. Flash forward to today, when meatloaf is actually quite an enjoyed dish, one that offers endless variations and creative possibilities. I’m excited to share a recipe with you that you can literally throw together in 10 minutes, pop in the over, and have a delicious dinner on the table that your whole family will love: healthy meatloaf recipe with oatmeal.

Healthy meatloaf recipe with oatmeal: a gluten free recipe

I kind of just came up with this recipe on a whim. I had two pounds of ground beef staring at me in the fridge and knew I wanted to make a meatloaf for my carnivore-ish husband. The other ingredients I already had on hand, and I’m guessing you will, too. My kinda recipe – one where you already have everything you need, one that they’ll like and one that you will probably have leftovers with. Score!

Adding in oats as a sub for breadcrumbs has a few benefits:

1. It’s gluten free (be sure to get gluten-free oats if needed)
2. Oats include fiber, which most of us can use more of
3. They are also a filler and require you to stretch your meat (and are more cost-effective)

I’m certain that you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken, or even a mix of these – but I’ve only tried it with ground beef. If you change it up, be sure to comment below. I always love knowing variations that work.

5 from 6 votes

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Healthy Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

55 mins

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

 

This healthy meatloaf recipe with oatmeal combines 6 ingredients into a comfort food that is sure to become a permanent rotation in cooking for your family.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6

Calories: 395 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (organic, grass-fed preferred)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup rolled oats

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet (with edges) with olive or avocado oil.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl to combine, adding the oats last. Form into a “loaf” on the cookie sheet and place in oven. Cook for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

Amount Per Serving

Calories 395 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 9g56%

Cholesterol 157mg52%

Sodium 707mg31%

Potassium 638mg18%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 31g62%

Vitamin A 255IU5%

Vitamin C 2.6mg3%

Calcium 54mg5%

Iron 4.5mg25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How to make meatloaf gluten free

While meatloaf traditionally includes breadcrumbs, you can certainly use certified gluten free breadcrumbs for an easy switch. I prefer to use gluten free rolled oats, however, since they are much “cleaner” (they have just one ingredient) and they are a good source of fiber (10.6 grams in just 3.5 ounces). Fiber is important in our diets for digestion, of course, but it also helps you to feel fuller and keeps you feeling full longer.

Ideas for how to serve this healthy meatloaf recipe with oatmeal:

• Serve aside roasted spaghetti squash, or butternut squash
• With a side of whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and some greens on the side
• In-between two nice pieces of bread, with a little extra sauce for a tasty sandwich
• Grain-free atop a big salad of greens and other raw (or cooked) vegetables
• With a side of mac-n-cheese (don’t forget the veggies!)

How do you enjoy eating meatloaf?