Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and when you combine it with the flair of the Pioneer Woman, you’re in for a truly special dinner. This Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe is not just easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a tangy homemade sauce, this dish elevates the humble meatloaf to a gourmet experience.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Meatloaf on a plate, showcasing bacon wrap and sauce.
If you’re a fan of Pioneer Woman recipes, you know they’re all about delicious, approachable meals that bring people together. This meatloaf recipe perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Meatloaf is a Dinner Winner
What makes this Pioneer Woman meatloaf stand out from the rest? It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. The bacon wrap not only adds a smoky, savory depth but also keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist and juicy. As the bacon cooks, its flavorful fats render into the meatloaf, infusing it with an irresistible richness.
The homemade sauce is another key element. Unlike store-bought ketchup, this sauce is a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, complementing the savory meatloaf perfectly. It’s brushed on in layers during baking, creating a beautiful caramelized glaze that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly practical. Meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead dish, and this Pioneer Woman version is no exception. You can assemble it in advance and bake it later, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It also freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a homemade comfort meal even when time is short.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and homemade ketchup sauce.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the meat. For the best meatloaf, using the right type of ground meat is crucial.
Choosing the Right Ground Meat
The Pioneer Woman recipe calls for ground beef, and for good reason. 80% lean ground beef is the sweet spot for meatloaf. It has enough fat to keep the loaf moist and flavorful without being greasy. Leaner ground beef can result in a drier, less tender meatloaf.
For an even more complex flavor and texture, consider using a combination of meats. A mix of ground beef, pork, and veal (using 1/3 pound of each) creates a wonderfully tender and flavorful meatloaf. Some grocery stores even sell pre-packaged meatloaf mixes, making it even easier.
Bread and Binding Agents
Bread is another essential ingredient in meatloaf, acting as a binder and adding moisture. Soft, white sandwich bread is the traditional choice and works perfectly in this recipe. The Pioneer Woman herself prefers white sandwich bread, and for good reason. It blends seamlessly into the meat mixture, creating a uniform consistency.
Milk is used to soak the bread, further enhancing its binding properties and adding moisture to the meatloaf. Eggs also play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape during baking.
Flavor Enhancers
Beyond the meat and bread, several ingredients contribute to the signature flavor of this Pioneer Woman meatloaf. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note. Fresh parsley, minced, provides a touch of freshness and herbaceousness. Seasoned salt, salt, and pepper are essential for basic seasoning, enhancing the overall taste.
And of course, we can’t forget the bacon! Thin-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping the meatloaf, as it cooks evenly and becomes wonderfully crispy.
The Tangy Homemade Sauce
The sauce is what truly sets this meatloaf apart. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce. The ketchup provides the base, while brown sugar adds sweetness, dry mustard a subtle tang, and Tabasco a hint of spice. This sauce is brushed over the meatloaf during baking, creating a delicious glaze.
Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe
Ready to make this amazing Pioneer Woman dinner recipe? Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 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 whole Eggs, Beaten
- 12 slices Thin cut Bacon
Sauce:
- 1+1/2 cups Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the bread: In a large bowl, add the white bread slices and pour milk over the top. Let the bread soak for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften completely.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients: To the bowl with the soaked bread, add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, minced parsley, and beaten eggs.
- Mix gently: Use your hands to combine all the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the soaked bread is well incorporated into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape, approximately 5 inches wide. Place the loaf on a broiler pan to allow excess fat to drain during baking. Lining the bottom of the broiler pan with foil makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have a broiler pan, see the tips below for substitutes.
- Wrap in bacon: Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, carefully tucking the ends underneath the bottom of the loaf to secure them. The bacon helps the meatloaf maintain its shape and adds flavor. Arrange the bacon slices so they are touching but not overlapping for easy slicing later.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce until well combined.
- Glaze and bake: Brush about 1/3 of the sauce evenly over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
- Bake in stages: Bake the meatloaf on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush another 1/3 of the sauce over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the Pioneer Woman meatloaf and serve with the remaining sauce drizzled over the top. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
To ensure your Pioneer Woman meatloaf is a resounding success, here are a few helpful tips:
Best Meat for Meatloaf
As mentioned earlier, 80% lean ground beef or a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal are your best choices for moist and flavorful meatloaf. Avoid using very lean ground beef, as it can result in a dry loaf.
Bread Choices
While white sandwich bread is classic, you can experiment with other types of bread. Crusty artisan bread can also be used, but ensure it’s softened well in milk. Softer breads tend to blend more uniformly into the meat mixture.
Avoiding Overmixing
Overmixing ground beef can lead to a tougher meatloaf. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Handle the meatloaf mixture with care to maintain a tender texture.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Meatloaf is incredibly convenient for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it the next day as directed.
For longer storage, meatloaf freezes beautifully. Assemble the meatloaf, wrap it well, and freeze it before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. Thaw frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheating frozen cooked meatloaf: Wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also defrost and microwave it.
Broiler Pan Alternatives
A broiler pan is ideal for meatloaf as it allows fat to drain away, preventing a soggy bottom. If you don’t have one, here are substitutes:
- Cookie Sheet Only: Place the meatloaf directly on a cookie sheet. You’ll need to drain off excess liquid during baking.
- Cooling Rack on Roasting Pan: Place a cooling rack on a roasting pan. Line the rack with foil and poke holes in the foil to allow fat to drip through. Note that bacon under the loaf might not crisp as well with this method.
Bacon or No Bacon?
While the bacon wrap is a signature element of this Pioneer Woman meatloaf, you can omit the bacon if preferred. The meatloaf will still be delicious. If skipping bacon, reduce the second baking time to 15-20 minutes, as it may cook slightly faster without the bacon wrap.
Sliced Pioneer Woman Meatloaf on a cutting board, garnished with parsley and sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Pioneer Woman meatloaf is a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comforting accompaniment.
- Roasted Green Beans: A simple and healthy side that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
- Mac and Cheese: For an extra indulgent meal, serve meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese.
- Corn on the Cob: A summery side that adds sweetness and freshness.
- Side Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
More Pioneer Woman Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you love this Pioneer Woman meatloaf, you’ll definitely want to explore more of her dinner recipes. Her website and cookbooks are filled with family-friendly, flavorful meals that are perfect for any occasion. Some other popular Pioneer Woman Dinner Recipes include:
- Chicken Fried Steak: A classic Southern comfort food.
- Pasta Primavera: A vibrant and fresh pasta dish.
- Beef Brisket: A slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty and comforting casserole.
- Lasagna: A crowd-pleasing Italian favorite.
Explore these and many more Pioneer Woman dinner recipes to expand your cooking repertoire and bring delicious, home-cooked meals to your table.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful bacon wrap, tangy homemade sauce, and moist, tender meat, it’s a step above ordinary meatloaf. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, put on your imaginary Pioneer Woman wig (if you have one!), and get ready to create a dinner that everyone will love.
