A delightful twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring aromatic herbs and wholesome oats for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Using a nonstick spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
Beating the eggs helps to evenly distribute them in the mixture.
Add the water and oats to the bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
Allowing the oats to soak ensures a tender texture in the loaf.
Mix in the salt, thyme, rosemary, and pepper until well combined.
Mixing the seasonings thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution.
Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
Shaping the loaf evenly ensures it cooks uniformly.
Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.
The ketchup glaze adds a tangy sweetness to the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the center is no longer pink.
Using a meat thermometer ensures the loaf is cooked to a safe temperature.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making slicing easier.