Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Pioneer Woman Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful classic perfect for family dinners. This recipe combines juicy ground beef with rich Parmesan and tender bread soaked in milk, all wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s easy to make and delivers a deliciously saucy finish that everyone will love.

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 teaspoon Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/3 cup fresh Parsley, minced
• 4 whole Eggs, beaten
• 12 slices Thin cut Bacon
• 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1 dash Tabasco sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Place the bread slices in a large bowl and pour the milk over them. Let soak for 5 minutes until the bread is softened.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, salt, pepper, parsley, and beaten eggs to the bowl with soaked bread. Use your hands to gently combine until evenly mixed without overworking the meat.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf about 5 inches wide. Place it on a broiler pan lined with foil to catch drippings and help with easy cleanup.
5. Step 5: Arrange the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to hold the loaf’s shape. Lay the bacon slices so they touch but do not overlap.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce to make the sauce. Brush one-third of this sauce evenly over the bacon-covered meatloaf.
7. Step 7: Bake the meatloaf on the middle oven rack for 45 minutes. Remove and brush with another one-third of the sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
8. Step 8: Take the meatloaf out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 160°F for safe serving.
9. Step 9: Serve with the remaining sauce and enjoy. This dish goes beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh breadcrumbs if you prefer a finer texture instead of whole bread slices.
• Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for extra umami.
• Swap out bacon for turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.
• For a spicier kick, increase the Tabasco or add crushed red pepper to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or a combination of meats. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the fat content.

How do I prevent the bacon from drying out?

Lining the bacon slices closely over the loaf without overlapping helps keep them moist and flavorful. Brushing the sauce over bacon also adds moisture during baking.

Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

This Pioneer Woman Meatloaf recipe combines a juicy, savory ground beef mixture enriched with milk-soaked bread, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, all wrapped in a crispy bacon layer and topped with a tangy, sweet ketchup-based sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting classic perfect for family dinners, served best alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, to taste
• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
2. Soak Bread: Place the white bread slices in a large bowl and pour the whole milk over them. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread is fully saturated, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
3. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: Add ground beef, grated Parmesan, seasoned salt, salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced parsley, and beaten eggs to the soaked bread. Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until well combined but avoid overmixing to prevent the meatloaf from becoming tough.
4. Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf approximately 5 inches wide. Place it on a broiler pan lined with foil to allow fat to drain during cooking and facilitate easier cleanup.
5. Layer Bacon: Arrange the 12 slices of thin-cut bacon over the top of the loaf so they are touching but not overlapping, then tuck the ends underneath the loaf. This bacon wrap helps maintain the shape and creates a flavorful crust.
6. Prepare and Apply Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Brush one-third of this sauce evenly over the top of the bacon-covered meatloaf.
7. Bake First Stage: Place the meatloaf on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 45 minutes to start cooking the inside and setting the shape.
8. Bake Second Stage: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with another third of the sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes to develop rich flavor and caramelize the sauce.
9. Rest the Meatloaf: Take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and prevents them from running out when cut.
10. Check Temperature and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. Serve with the remaining sauce alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use foil to line the broiler pan for easier cleanup after cooking.
• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and flavorful.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain its juices.
• The bacon acts as both flavor and structural wrap, making slicing easier and presentation appealing.
• Adjust the Tabasco sauce amount based on your preference for heat.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a traditional meal experience.

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, Pioneer Woman, comfort food, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, homemade meatloaf sauce