Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and when you’re looking for a truly exceptional recipe, turning to The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is always a great choice. This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf recipe takes the humble meatloaf to a whole new level with its incredible flavor, moist texture, and a delicious bacon wrap that seals in all the goodness. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe is also surprisingly easy to make and even freezes well for future meals.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Meatloaf served over mashed potatoes with homemade ketchup sauce
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe Special?
This isn’t just any meatloaf recipe; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s meatloaf, so you know it’s going to be packed with flavor and made with love. Several key elements make this recipe stand out:
- Bacon Wrap: The entire meatloaf is enveloped in crispy bacon. As the meatloaf bakes, the bacon renders its fat, basting the loaf from all sides and adding a smoky, savory depth that’s simply irresistible. The bacon also helps to keep the meatloaf incredibly moist.
- Homemade Sauce: Forget store-bought ketchup; this recipe features a simple yet flavorful homemade sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and a dash of Tabasco. This sauce perfectly complements the richness of the meatloaf, adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of milk-soaked bread and the right ratio of lean ground beef ensures a meatloaf that is never dry or crumbly. It’s perfectly tender and juicy with every bite.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights! This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it later, or bake it completely and freeze leftovers for easy reheating.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Meatloaf
Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients for both the meatloaf and the delicious homemade sauce:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 6 slices White Bread, crusts removed
- 2 pounds Ground Beef, 80% lean (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal for extra flavor)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 3/4 teaspoons Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh Parsley, minced
- 4 large Eggs, beaten
- 12 slices Thin-cut Bacon
For the Sauce:
- 1 + 1/2 cups Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional, for a hint of spice)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman Meatloaf:
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Prep the Oven and Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, place the slices of white bread and pour the milk over them. Let the bread soak in the milk for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: To the bowl with the soaked bread, add the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, minced parsley, and beaten eggs.
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Mix Gently: Use your hands to gently combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Ensure the soaked bread is well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tougher meatloaf.
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Shape the Loaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, approximately 5 inches wide. Place the loaf on a broiler pan. Pro Tip: Using a broiler pan is crucial as it allows excess grease to drip away, preventing a soggy bottom. If you don’t have a broiler pan, see our substitute tips below! Lining the bottom of the broiler pan with foil makes cleanup easier.
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Wrap with Bacon: Drape the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, carefully tucking the ends underneath the bottom of the loaf to secure them. Arrange the bacon slices so they are touching but not overlapping, which makes slicing easier after cooking.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce (if using).
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First Sauce Layer: Brush about 1/3 of the prepared sauce evenly over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
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Bake: Place the meatloaf on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
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Second Sauce Layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush another 1/3 of the sauce over it. Return it to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes.
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Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Important: Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked.
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Serve with Remaining Sauce: Slice the Pioneer Woman Meatloaf and serve it with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. It’s fantastic served with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!
Sliced Pioneer Woman Meatloaf on a wooden board with parsley and sauce
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Meatloaf is a success every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Meat: 80% lean ground beef is recommended for meatloaf as it provides enough fat for flavor and moisture without being overly greasy. You can also use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for a richer flavor profile.
- Bread Matters: Soft white sandwich bread is ideal for meatloaf. It blends seamlessly into the meat mixture and contributes to a uniform, tender texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing is key to a tender meatloaf. Overmixing can make the meat tough. Mix just until all ingredients are combined.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator overnight to bake the next day.
- Freezing for Later: Cooked meatloaf freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, wrap it in foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also defrost it overnight in the fridge and microwave individual slices.
- Broiler Pan Substitutes: If you don’t have a broiler pan, you can use these alternatives:
- Cookie Sheet Only: Place the meatloaf directly on a cookie sheet. However, you’ll need to carefully drain off the excess grease during cooking.
- Cooling Rack on Roasting Pan: Place a cooling rack on top of a roasting pan. Line the rack with foil and poke a few holes in the foil to allow fat to drip through. Note: Bacon under the loaf might not get as crispy with this method.
- Bacon Optional: While the bacon wrap is a highlight of this recipe, you can omit it if desired. Reduce the baking time to approximately 15-20 minutes for the second bake if you skip the bacon.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Meatloaf
Pioneer Woman Meatloaf is a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw.
- Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, corn on the cob, side salad.
- Comfort Food Pairings: Creamy polenta, buttered noodles, biscuits.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Pioneer Woman Meatloaf recipe! It’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for any meatloaf lover.
