This post is written in partnership with The Quaker Oats Company. Thanks for supporting everything that makes nutrition happen!

Love steel cut oatmeal but can’t spare an extra 30 minutes every morning? I totally get it! Steel cut oats are cut differently compared to instant, quick or Old-Fashioned so the texture is much heartier and there’s a distinct bite to it. It’s my personal favorite oat variety and if it’s yours too, you’ll know that it takes a little extra time to cook for the perfect texture.

The good news is that there are definitely ways around this to ensure that you can have your favorite oatmeal breakfast ready most days in less than 10 minutes! One solution is to batch cook once and reheat throughout the week. This way you can have the steel cut oat base ready and switch up with different combinations of your favorite toppings throughout the week. Cooked oats can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days, so it’s a nice option to ensure that breakfast (or lunch and dinner!) is ready to go for the entire week. Below I’m sharing all the ways you can do this in addition to the traditional stovetop method, so pick and choose based on what you have!

1. Multicooker*

HOW: Add 2 cups of steel cut oats along with 5 cups of water (alternatives: use milk instead of water to make it creamier or 50% milk + 50% water) and set the timer to pressure cook for 4 minutes. After the pressure cooking is done, allow to manually release pressure for around 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure before opening the lid. Stir to thicken and allow to cool a little before serving.

2. Slow Cooker*

HOW: Add 2 cups of steel cut oats + 8 cups of water (alternatives: use milk instead of water to make it creamier or 50% milk + 50% water) into a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Stir and allow to cool a little bit before serving.

3. Overnight*

HOW: Combine 2 cups of Quaker quick steel cut oats (see below!) with 4 cups of water or milk of choice in a large storage container. Mix, cover, and store in the fridge overnight. Each chilled the next day. 

*To reheat a premade batch of oats: heat up the microwave for around 1 minute (more or less depending on your microwave settings). The consistency will be thicker so if you want the texture thinner, add a splash of water before heating up then stir before serving to get your preferred consistency. 

4. Quaker Quick 3-min Steel-Cut Oats

HOW: This is really best for 1 to 2 servings at a time following these ratios, but feel free to use this method to batch cook based on what you need too!

Microwave: Combine ⅓ cup with ¾ cup of water in a microwave safe bowl and heat up on high for 3 minutes.

Stovetop: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add in ⅓ cup oats, cooking uncovered for 5 minutes.

The amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals are similar between the different cuts of oats, but this is absolutely my favorite variety from Quaker right now because I get the texture of steel-cut in less than 5 minutes, in the microwave or on the stovetop!

Here’s one of my favorite flavor combinations to pull together for a meal using oatmeal as the base. Oats are one of the most convenient sources of fiber and provide a soluble fiber called beta-glucan I love combining these ingredients for a southwest-inspired bowl because you can easily pack in extra veggies with all the flavor! It’s hearty enough for any meal during the day and you can totally change up the veggies based on what you have. Frozen vegetables would work here too.

Southwest Inspired Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal Bowl

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cups Quaker Quick 3-min Steel-Cut Oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fajita veggie mix (a mix of bell peppers and onions – feel free to sub in frozen)
• ¼ cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 2 tsp taco seasoning, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ avocado, sliced (or diced)
• Toppings:
  • 2 eggs, cooked your choice
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onion
  • 1 tbsp cheese – your choice
  • 1 lime
  • Optional: hot sauce, salsa

Notes:
*Make your own taco seasoning by combining garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt + pepper.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Turn on the stovetop to high and add water.
2. Allow to come to a boil, turn heat to medium and add in oats.
3. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add in taco seasoning and mix until combined.
5. In a separate skillet, turn to medium – high heat and oil. Add peppers, onion, and corn and cook until veggies are slightly tender, around 5 minutes.
6. Stir in taco seasoning and combine until evenly mixed. Remove from heat.
7. Top oatmeal with veggies, sliced avocado, egg, green onions, and cheese. Add salsa and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.