Pioneer Woman Cooks Meatloaf: The Ultimate Family Comfort Food Recipe

Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food, and when you combine it with the trusted recipes of the Pioneer Woman, you know you’re in for a treat. This Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe takes a classic dish and elevates it with simple yet flavorful ingredients, resulting in a juicy, delicious, and family-friendly meal. Known for her approachable style and hearty recipes, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has perfected the art of home cooking, and this meatloaf is a shining example.

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the perfectly seasoned meatloaf to the tangy-sweet homemade sauce and the crispy bacon wrap, every element works together to create a memorable dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and promises impressive results every time. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Meatloaf over mashed potatoes with a homemade ketchup sauce drizzled on top

Choosing the Best Meat for Your Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

The foundation of any great meatloaf is, of course, the meat. Selecting the right type of meat is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a guide to help you choose:

80% Lean Ground Beef: This is often considered the sweet spot for meatloaf. It provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful without being greasy. Leaner ground beef tends to result in a drier meatloaf, so opting for 80% lean is highly recommended.
Meatloaf Mix (Beef, Pork, and Veal): For an even more tender and flavorful meatloaf, consider using a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. This classic meatloaf mix, often found pre-packaged in grocery stores, offers a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Using equal parts of each – about 1/3 pound each for this recipe – creates a truly exceptional meatloaf.

Pro Tip: Many butchers and grocery stores now offer pre-mixed meatloaf blends, saving you the hassle of buying multiple types of meat. Check your local store’s meat section for these convenient mixes, specifically labeled for meatloaf or meatballs.

The Secret to Moist Meatloaf: Bread

Bread might seem like an unusual ingredient in meatloaf, but it plays a vital role in keeping it moist and tender. When soaked in milk, breadcrumbs act as a binder and help retain moisture during cooking.

Soft White Sandwich Bread: The Pioneer Woman herself favors soft white sandwich bread, and for good reason. Its fine crumb and mild flavor blend seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture, creating a uniform and tender texture.
Artisan Bread (with a twist): While white bread is traditional, you can also experiment with crusty artisan bread. Just be sure to remove the crust and soak the bread in milk for a longer period to ensure it softens completely. Artisan bread can add a slightly more robust flavor and texture to your meatloaf.

For this Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe, sticking with soft white sandwich bread is your best bet for achieving that classic, comforting texture.

Avoid Overmixing Your Meatloaf Mixture

When making meatloaf, it’s essential to mix the ingredients just enough to combine them. Overmixing ground beef can lead to a tougher, less flavorful meatloaf.

Gentle Mixing is Key: Think of mixing meatloaf more like folding ingredients rather than vigorously stirring. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated. You want a uniform consistency, but avoid working the meat too much.
Why Overmixing is a Problem: Overworking ground beef develops the protein structure, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. For meatloaf, you want a tender and slightly crumbly texture, which is achieved through minimal mixing.

Handle the meat mixture with care, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly tender and flavorful Pioneer Woman meatloaf.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions for Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

One of the great advantages of meatloaf is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. This Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe is perfect for preparing in advance, saving you time on busy weeknights.

Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble the meatloaf completely, shape it into a loaf, and then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it the next day. This is a fantastic option for breaking up meal preparation.
Freezing for Future Meals: Meatloaf freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking or saving leftovers. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked meatloaf, or freeze cooked meatloaf for even quicker future meals.
- Freezing Unbaked Meatloaf: Wrap the assembled loaf tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Freezing Cooked Meatloaf: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely after baking. Slice it into portions if desired, then wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frozen Cooked Meatloaf:
- Oven Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen cooked meatloaf in the oven. Wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, you can defrost slices of meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave until heated through.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a large meatloaf, consider dividing it in half before freezing. This way, you can thaw and cook only what you need, leaving the rest for another meal.

Broiler Pan Substitutes for Perfect Meatloaf

A broiler pan is designed to elevate meatloaf, allowing excess grease to drip away and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. If you don’t have a broiler pan, don’t worry! Here are some effective substitutes:

Cookie Sheet (with caution): You can place the meatloaf directly on a cookie sheet. However, be aware that grease will accumulate around the loaf. You’ll need to carefully remove the cookie sheet from the oven periodically and drain off the excess liquid during cooking. This method can be a bit tricky and requires caution to avoid burns.
Cooling Rack on a Roasting Pan: The Best Alternative: This method closely mimics a broiler pan and is highly recommended.
1. Set up: Place a cooling rack on top of a roasting pan or cookie sheet with sides.
2. Foil Lining (optional but helpful): Line the cooling rack with foil to prevent the meatloaf from sticking and falling through the rack.
3. Create Drainage: Poke several small holes in the foil to allow fat to drip through to the pan below.

Important Note: If you use foil on the cooling rack, the bacon on the underside of the meatloaf might not get as crispy as it would on a true broiler pan. However, it will still cook through and be delicious. Be mindful of this if bacon crispiness on the bottom is a top priority.

Making Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Without Bacon

While the bacon wrap adds incredible flavor and moisture to this Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe, you can certainly make it without bacon if you prefer or don’t have any on hand.

Adjusting Cook Time: If you omit the bacon, you’ll need to reduce the baking time slightly. The original recipe calls for a total baking time of 1 hour and 10 minutes with bacon. Without bacon, reduce the total cooking time to approximately 55-65 minutes. Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.
Ensuring Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is the best way to guarantee it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

Even without bacon, this Pioneer Woman meatloaf is packed with flavor and makes a satisfying meal.

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

Pioneer Woman meatloaf is a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider these classic and comforting accompaniments:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have side for meatloaf. They soak up the delicious meatloaf sauce and create the ultimate comfort food duo.
Roasted Green Beans: For a healthy and flavorful side, roasted green beans are an excellent choice. Their slight crispness and vibrant flavor balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Mac and Cheese: If you’re leaning into full-on comfort food, mac and cheese is a fantastic pairing. The creamy, cheesy flavors complement the meatloaf perfectly.
Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn: Sweet corn, whether on the cob or creamed, provides a delightful sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory meatloaf.
Side Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing element to the meal.

Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman and is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

1 cup Whole Milk
6 slices White Bread, crusts removed
2 pounds Ground Beef, 80% lean
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
¼ teaspoon Seasoned Salt
¾ teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
⅓ cup fresh Parsley, minced
4 large Eggs, beaten
12 slices Thin-cut Bacon

Sauce:

1 ½ cups Ketchup
⅓ cup Brown Sugar, packed
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)

Equipment:

Large Bowl
Broiler Pan or substitute (cooling rack and roasting pan)
Small Bowl
Pastry Brush (optional, for sauce)
Meat Thermometer

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Soak Bread: In a large bowl, add the white bread slices and pour the milk over them. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: To the bowl with the soaked bread, add the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, minced parsley, and beaten eggs.
Mix Gently: Use your hands to gently combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the Loaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, approximately 5 inches wide. Place it on a broiler pan (or your chosen substitute).
Add Bacon: Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath the bottom of the loaf to secure them. Arrange the bacon slices so they are touching but not overlapping for easy slicing later.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce (if using).
First Sauce Layer: Brush about ⅓ of the sauce evenly over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes on the middle rack.
Second Sauce Layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush another ⅓ of the sauce over it.
Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf 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.
Check for Doneness: For accuracy, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the center of the meatloaf before slicing.
Serve: Slice the Pioneer Woman meatloaf and serve with the remaining sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!

Recipe Notes:

Make-Ahead Meatloaf: Assemble the meatloaf ahead of time, wrap, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze assembled or cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months (see detailed freezing instructions above).
Meatloaf Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses or herbs.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):

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

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Pioneer Woman meatloaf recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to any table.