Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food, and when it comes to meatloaf recipes, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, truly stands out. Her version is renowned for its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and family-friendly appeal. This guide delves into everything you need to know to master the Pioneer Woman’s meatloaf recipe, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Meatloaf is a Must-Try
Ree Drummond’s meatloaf recipe isn’t just another meatloaf; it’s a culinary experience. What sets it apart?
- Bacon Wrap: The entire meatloaf is enveloped in bacon, which crisps up beautifully during baking and infuses the meat with smoky, savory goodness.
- Flavorful Sauce: A simple yet tangy homemade sauce brushed over the meatloaf adds a layer of sweetness and depth that perfectly complements the richness of the meat.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the right ratio of ingredients and gentle mixing, this meatloaf avoids dryness and boasts a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this meatloaf can be prepared in advance and even frozen for future meals, offering convenience without compromising on taste.
Meatloaf over mashed potatoes with a homemade ketchup sauce drizzled on top
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
To recreate this iconic dish, you’ll need these key components:
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground Beef: 80% lean ground beef is ideal. It provides enough fat for flavor and moisture without being overly greasy.
- White Bread: Soft white sandwich bread, soaked in milk, acts as a binder and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth to the meat mixture.
- Seasoned Salt, Salt, and Pepper: Simple seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
- Fresh Parsley: Minced fresh parsley brightens the dish with a touch of herbaceousness.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the meatloaf’s structure.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is wrapped around the loaf, providing flavor and keeping the meat moist during baking.
For the Sauce:
- Ketchup: The base of the tangy-sweet glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the sauce.
- Dry Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and spice.
- Tabasco Sauce: A dash of Tabasco enhances the sauce with a hint of heat (optional, but recommended).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect Pioneer Woman meatloaf:
1. Prepare the Bread and Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, place the white bread slices and pour milk over them. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients
- To the bowl with soaked bread, add ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced fresh parsley, and beaten eggs.
3. Mix Gently
- Use your hands to gently combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Ensure the soaked bread is well incorporated, but avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a tougher meatloaf.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, approximately 5 inches wide.
5. Prepare Broiler Pan and Place Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf on a broiler pan. A broiler pan allows fat to drain away as the meatloaf cooks, preventing it from becoming greasy. If you don’t have a broiler pan, see the “Broiler Pan Substitute” section below.
6. Wrap with Bacon
- Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, carefully tucking the ends underneath. The bacon should cover the entire top surface of the loaf.
7. Make the Sauce
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce (if using).
8. Glaze and Bake
- Brush about 1/3 of the sauce evenly over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes on the middle rack.
- Remove from the oven and brush another 1/3 of the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
9. Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
- Slice and serve with the remaining sauce.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing is key to a tender meatloaf. Overmixing makes the meat tough.
- Use the Right Meat: 80% lean ground beef is recommended. You can also use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Soak the Bread: Soaking bread in milk is essential for moisture and a soft texture.
- Broiler Pan is Your Friend: Using a broiler pan or a substitute helps drain excess fat and prevents a soggy bottom.
Broiler Pan Substitute
If you don’t have a broiler pan, here are effective substitutes:
- Cooling Rack on a Roasting Pan: Place a cooling rack on top of a roasting pan. Line the rack with foil and poke holes in the foil to allow fat to drip through. Be aware that bacon under the loaf might not crisp as much with this method.
- Cookie Sheet (with caution): You can place the meatloaf directly on a cookie sheet, but you’ll need to carefully drain the accumulated liquid during cooking, which can be tricky.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Pioneer Woman’s meatloaf is incredibly convenient for meal prepping:
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed the next day.
- Freezing Before Cooking: Assemble the meatloaf, wrap it well, and freeze it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Freezing Cooked Meatloaf: Cook the meatloaf completely, let it cool, wrap it in foil, and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through, or defrost and microwave.
Meatloaf sliced on a wooden cutting board with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and homemade ketchup sauce in background
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect partner.
- Roasted Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
- Mac and Cheese: For an extra indulgent meal.
- Corn on the Cob: A summery and sweet complement.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the meatloaf.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Meatloaf Recipe
The Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its bacon crust, flavorful sauce, and tender interior, it elevates meatloaf from a simple dish to a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal solution, this recipe is your answer. Try Ree Drummond’s meatloaf and experience meatloaf perfection!
