Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs

Meatloaf is made without breadcrumbs and with oatmeal instead. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for an easy dinner!

This recipe uses quick oats instead of bread crumbs. They keep the texture of the meatloaf light and help retain the moisture of the meatloaf so that it doesn't dry out.

You will often see meatloaf made with breadcrumbs. However, oatmeal, while a less popular alternative nowadays, is an old fashioned and delicious option.

Like breadcrumbs, oats help bind the meat together so it holds its shape and keeps it from falling apart.

Quick oats are better in meatloaf than old-fashioned rolled oats because they don't add much texture, whereas rolled oats would.

If you only have rolled oats, that's fine. Just put them in the food processor and pulse it until they look like quick oats.

Really, the only difference between rolled oats and quick oats is that the quick oats have been chopped up some, so they cook faster.

Do not use steel-cut oats in a meatloaf though because they won't cook properly in the meatloaf and will stay hard.

Is this meatloaf gluten free?

If all the ingredients you use are marked gluten free, then yes, this meatloaf will be a gluten free meatloaf.

Is this meatloaf dairy free?

Since this meatloaf does not contain dairy, this is a dairy free meatloaf with oatmeal.

What are Eggs used for?

Eggs do three things in most recipes: they help bind the ingredients together, act as a mild leavening agent, and they add moisture.

ARE EGGS DAIRY?

No, eggs are not dairy.  Dairy is milk and any food products made from milk, including cheese, cream, butter, and yogurt. 

So, while eggs are an animal product, they are not dairy. In fact, eggs fall under the protein food group.

How to tell if your eggs are still good

Fill a glass with cool water and submerge the eggs.

If the eggs sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side, they're still fresh.

If they sink, but stand on one end at the bottom of the glass, the eggs are not as fresh but still good.

An egg that floats to the top is likely spoiled.

How to replace eggs in meatloaf

There are a number of egg replacement options available, but my favorite way to make meatloaf without eggs is by replacing the egg with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water.

IS KOSHER Meat BETTER?

Kosher animals are kept in better conditions than non-kosher animals due to strict kosher health requirements of the animals.

Also, the salting process used as part of the process of making meat kosher is similar to dry brining, and therefore produces a better quality meat.

While I’ve only eaten kosher meat and so I cannot compare, I’ve been told by non-Jews who do not keep kosher that they’ve noticed that kosher meat is of superior quality to cook with.

HOW TO DEFROST Meat

IN THE FRIDGE

Defrosting meat in the fridge is the most highly recommended.

To do this, place the frozen meat in a pan and let it thaw. Oftentimes when meat thaws, it releases liquids that can leak onto your fridge, so the pan is really helpful.

Meat typically takes a full day to thaw. Once thawed, it can remain in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking.

IN COLD WATER

Defrosting meat in water should take two to three hours.  

Submerge your sealed meat in a pot or bowl full of cold water.  Change out the water every 30 minutes or so. 

Do not use hot water because it can start cooking your meat.

Can you cook FROZEN meat?

According to the USDA, you can cook frozen meat.  It will take 50% longer to cook, but it’s an option. 

You should also cook it on a roasting rack or over vegetables so that the heat can circulate around the meat.

IS IT SAFE TO REFREEZE RAW meat?

According to the USDA, “food thawed in the refrigerator is safe to refreeze without cooking.”  However, you do lose quality when refreezing previously defrosted meat. 

Every time you defrost meat, it loses moisture as it thaws, which also leads to a loss in flavor.  To compensate for this, marinate the meat to add more flavor and juice.

The USDA also says not to “refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours; 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F.”

Adjusting for a Convection Oven

Convection ovens blow the hot air around, producing around 25 to 30 percent more heat.

Since convection ovens produce more heat, you need either lowering the temperature or shortening the cooking time to compensate.

When recipes specify temperatures and cooking times, it’s for conventional ovens, unless specified otherwise.

A simple rule to follow is to lower the temperature by 25ºF or 14ºC when baking cookies and pies, and 50ºF or 28ºC when roasting meat and poultry. Some convection ovens offer separate settings for baking and for roasting.

You can also leave the temperature the same and instead, shorten the cooking time by 25 percent. For example, if your recipe calls for 60 minutes in the oven, check the food after 45 minutes instead.

However, keep in mind, some convection ovens actually make a heat adjustment for you. That is, if you set a convection oven for 350ºF, it might actually set itself to 325ºF to compensate. So, check your manual before making adjustments.

HOW TO STORE MEAT

Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Store for 3 to 4 days.

HOW TO FREEZE MEAT

Freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.  Place in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. 

Freeze for up to 6 months.  After that, it is still safe to eat but the quality begins to degrade.