If you love tasty, juicy meatloaf you’re in for a treat with Pioneer Woman’s homemade version!

This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy tomato sauce that I absolutely love.

It’s super easy to prepare with ingredients like bread, Parmesan, and bacon.

One trick to keep your meatloaf moist is to mix the bread with some milk before adding it to the meat mixture.

The addition of bacon not only adds a delicious smoky flavor but also helps keep the meatloaf from drying out.

Trust me, once you make this meatloaf, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 cup Milk
6 slices White Bread
2 Eggs
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
12 slices Bacon
1 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Mustard
1 tbsp Hot Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, pour the milk over the white bread slices and let them soak for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the ground beef, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to the bread mixture.

Step 4:

Using clean hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5:

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.

Step 6:

Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking them underneath the loaf.

Step 7:

In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and hot sauce. Pour 1/3 of this mixture over the top of the bacon and spread it evenly with a spoon.

Step 8:

Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush another 1/3 of the sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for another 25 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan will bring out the best flavors in this meatloaf recipe.

Let the Meatloaf Rest

Allow the meatloaf to sit for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute. This makes slicing easier.

Try Different Sauces

You can experiment with the sauce by adding barbecue sauce or honey for a different twist.

Avoid Over-Mixing

Over-mixing the meat can make the meatloaf dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Use a Meat Thermometer

For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

A classic companion to meatloaf is mashed potatoes with gravy.

Creamy mashed potatoes soaked in a rich gravy make for a comforting and hearty meal.

Green Beans Almandine

Steamed green beans tossed with toasted almonds add a nice crunch and a bit of elegance.

They are quick to prepare and bring a fresh, green element to your plate.

Macaroni and Cheese

Another popular choice is creamy macaroni and cheese.

Its cheesy goodness pairs wonderfully with the savory meatloaf.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven and drizzle them with a balsamic glaze.

The sweetness of the balsamic and the earthiness of the sprouts complement the meatloaf beautifully.

Sweet Potato Fries

Try serving sweet potato fries for a twist on the usual potato sides.

They are crispy, slightly sweet, and pair deliciously with the savory flavors of meatloaf.

Variations and Substitutions

Ground Meat Choices

You don’t have to stick to 100% beef.

Mix it up with pork, veal, or even turkey for a lighter option.

I sometimes use a blend of beef and pork to keep it juicy and flavorful!

Bread Crumbs or Alternatives

You can swap traditional breadcrumbs with panko for a crunchier texture.

If you’re gluten-free, try crushed rice chips or quinoa flakes instead.

Oats can be another excellent substitute for breadcrumbs.

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, swap milk with almond milk or broth.

Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.

I always adjust seasoning when making these swaps.

Flavor Boosters

Italian seasoning will add a nice twist if you love herbs.

Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.

A splash of soy sauce can give an umami kick to your meatloaf.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Add finely chopped veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Mushrooms can add a meatier texture and a depth of flavor.

You can even sneak some spinach in for a bit of greens.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

Storing your leftover Pioneer Woman Meatloaf correctly ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat later.

Refrigeration

First, let your meatloaf cool down completely.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use airtight containers.

Place it in the refrigerator, and you can keep it fresh for 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Alternatively, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag.

This method helps you freeze it for up to 3 months.

Proper Labeling

Always label your containers with the date you stored the meatloaf.

This way, you’ll remember how long it’s been stored.

Labeling ensures you consume it within the safe timeframe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Lean Meat

You might think using ground chicken or turkey will make your meatloaf healthier.

However, this can result in a dry and crumbly loaf.

Always opt for meat with a little more fat, like ground beef, to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Skipping the Seasoning

Meatloaf without enough seasoning can taste bland and uninteresting.

Be sure to add enough salt, pepper, and other flavorful spices.

Don’t forget fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the taste.

Overmixing the Meat

Mixing the meat too much can make your meatloaf dense and tough.

You want everything to combine well, but mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.

Gently using your hands can help keep the texture tender and light.

Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy tomato sauce that I absolutely love.

It's super easy to prepare with ingredients like bread, Parmesan, and bacon.

One trick to keep your meatloaf moist is to mix the bread with some milk before adding it to the meat mixture.

The addition of bacon not only adds a delicious smoky flavor but also helps keep the meatloaf from drying out.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 10

Course Dinner

Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 cup Milk
6 slices White Bread
2 Eggs
1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 cup Parsley chopped
12 slices Bacon
1 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Mustard
1 tbsp Hot Sauce

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, pour the milk over the white bread slices and let them soak for 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to the bread mixture.
Using clean hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking them underneath the loaf.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and hot sauce. Pour 1/3 of this mixture over the top of the bacon and spread it evenly with a spoon.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush another 1/3 of the sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for another 25 minutes.