This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf recipe is incredibly easy to make and promises a flavor-packed family dinner. Brushed with a simple, homemade sauce and freezer-friendly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.
Craving more Pioneer Woman magic? Don’t miss her delightful Twice Baked Potato Casserole!
Meatloaf served over mashed potatoes with homemade ketchup sauce
Ever dreamt of cooking in a sprawling, sun-drenched kitchen like The Pioneer Woman? While we might not all have a spotless lodge at our disposal, we can certainly bring her comforting, flavorful recipes into our own homes. And what’s more comforting than a perfectly cooked meatloaf?
This bacon-wrapped meatloaf recipe is a game-changer. The bacon not only adds a smoky depth but also bastes the meatloaf as it cooks, infusing it with incredible flavor. Imagine that savory aroma filling your kitchen!
Selecting the Perfect Meat for Your Meatloaf Pioneer Creation
Choosing the right meat is crucial for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
- 80% Lean Ground Beef: This is your go-to for meatloaf. It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf juicy without being greasy. Leaner options tend to result in a drier end product.
- Ground Beef, Pork, and Veal Blend: For an extra tender and flavorful meatloaf, consider a mix. Using 1/3 lb each of ground beef, pork, and veal creates a wonderful texture and depth of flavor.
Pro Tip: Many grocery stores offer pre-packaged meatloaf mixes containing ground beef, pork, and veal, making it even easier to get the perfect blend.
Bread Matters: Choosing the Right Bread for Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
The type of bread you use impacts the texture of your meatloaf.
Soft, white sandwich bread is ideal for meatloaf, although artisan bread can also be used if you prefer a heartier texture.
The Pioneer Woman herself favors white sandwich bread, and for good reason. Softer bread integrates seamlessly into the ground beef mixture, resulting in a more consistent and tender meatloaf.
The Art of Mixing: Avoiding Overmixing Your Meatloaf Pioneer Masterpiece
Yes, overmixing ground beef is a real concern when making meatloaf or burgers.
While you want your meatloaf to be uniform, gentle handling is key. Overmixing leads to a tougher texture and can diminish the flavor. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
Make-Ahead Magic: Pioneer Woman Meatloaf – Perfect for Prep
- YES! Meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble it in advance.
- Once shaped, simply wrap your meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day for a stress-free dinner.
- Freezing assembled meatloaf is also an excellent option. Just remember to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Pro Tip: If you’re not feeding a crowd, divide the meatloaf in half before baking and freeze the rest for a future meal!
Freezing and Reheating Your Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Pioneer Creation
Cooked meatloaf is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Let it cool completely, wrap it in foil, and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions: Bake the frozen meatloaf, still wrapped in foil, at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat individual slices in the microwave until warmed through.
Broiler Pan Alternatives: Ensuring Your Meatloaf Pioneer Isn’t Soggy
A broiler pan is designed to elevate the meatloaf, allowing excess grease to drain away, preventing a soggy bottom. Don’t have one? Here are some substitutes:
Cookie Sheet Only:
Place the meatloaf directly on a cookie sheet. However, be prepared to carefully remove the sheet and drain the accumulated liquid periodically during cooking. This method requires caution to avoid burns.
Cooling Rack on a Roasting Pan:
- Position a cooling rack on top of a roasting pan.
- Line the cooling rack with aluminum foil to keep the meatloaf from falling through.
- Pierce several small holes in the foil to allow fat to drain into the roasting pan below.
🛑 Important Note! When using foil, especially with bacon-wrapped meatloaf, the bacon underneath may not crisp as perfectly as it would on a broiler pan. Keep this in mind if bacon crispness is a priority.
Bacon or No Bacon? Customizing Your Meatloaf Pioneer Recipe
While bacon adds incredible flavor, you can certainly make this meatloaf without it. If omitting bacon, reduce the second bake time to 15-20 minutes, as it may cook slightly faster.
Sliced meatloaf on a cutting board with parsley and ketchup sauce
Essential Tools for Your Meatloaf Pioneer Adventure
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Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a versatile main course! Classic pairings include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Corn on the cob
- Side salad
Explore More Cozy Dinner Recipes!
Bobby Flay’s Meatball Recipe Bobby Flay’s Meatball Recipe
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Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe – Detailed Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yields: 8 servings
Click or hover to adjust servings.
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This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe is truly a standout! Bacon-wrapped and baked to juicy perfection, it’s a comfort food classic that freezes beautifully. Serve it with roasted green beans and creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients:
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 6 slices White Bread
- 2 pounds Ground Beef, 80% lean
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 3/4 teaspoons Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh Parsley, minced
- 4 large Eggs, Beaten
- 12 slices Thin-cut Bacon
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, soak bread slices in milk for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining meatloaf ingredients to the bowl. Gently combine with your hands, ensuring bread is incorporated but avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf (approximately 5 inches wide) and place it on a broiler pan to allow fat to drain. Line the bottom of the pan with foil for easier cleanup.
- Drape bacon slices over the top of the loaf, tucking ends underneath. Arrange bacon touching but not overlapping for easy slicing after cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Brush 1/3 of the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes on the middle oven rack. Remove, brush with another 1/3 of the sauce, and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
- Serve with remaining sauce and your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead Meatloaf: Assemble meatloaf ahead of time, wrap, and refrigerate overnight or freeze for longer storage. Defrost frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Pro Tip: For smaller portions, divide the loaf before baking and freeze half for later! Love meatloaf? Try my Mini Meatloaf recipe next!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 628kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 42g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 195mg, Sodium: 1065mg, Potassium: 548mg, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 565IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 279mg, Iron: 3.8mg
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie
Recipe Source: The Pioneer Woman
Beef Recipes Dinner Recipes Freezer Food Recipes Make Ahead Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Pioneer Woman Recipes
Published by Stephanie on October 25, 2018 – 183 Comments »
