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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/pioneer-woman-meatloaf-recipe/