Wrapped in bacon and topped with a zippy sauce, The Pioneer Woman meat loaf is a true masterpiece.
We Made The Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Meat Loaf, and the Recipe Is a Keeper
Updated on Feb. 23, 2024
Meat loaf. While Ree Drummond admits that the name isn’t the most appetizing, her Pioneer Woman meat loaf proves you can’t judge a recipe by its name alone.
Made with milk-soaked bread rather than bread crumbs (as in a traditional meat loaf), wrapped in bacon and basted with a sweet yet spicy homemade sauce—her recipe is not your average meat loaf.
Don’t let the elegant bacon-wrapped exterior fool you, though—this Pioneer Woman meat loaf is easier than it looks. Like most of Ree’s comfort food recipes, this one is super approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Made almost entirely in a single bowl, it’s a fuss-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights or making ahead to serve a crowd at your next family dinner.
The Pioneer Woman’s Meat Loaf Recipe
The Pioneer Woman’s recipe makes one generously-sized meat loaf that can easily serve eight people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 6 bread slices
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 8 to 12 thin bacon slices
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Dash or 2 hot sauce (more if you like)
- Dash or 2 Worcestershire sauce
Editor’s Tip: Make sure to stick with thin-sliced bacon for this recipe to ensure it gets nice and crisp in the oven. While thick-sliced bacon is a dream for a BLT, it won’t cook thoroughly on this meat loaf, leaving you with a chewy and rubbery bacon shell (aka a total tragedy).
Directions
Step 1: Soak the bread
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add the bread slices to a medium bowl and pour the milk over the top. Set aside, allowing the bread to soak for several minutes to absorb the milk.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t get too fancy with your bread. The Pioneer Woman’s go-to ingredient for this recipe is a basic, everyday loaf of soft white bread. You want something that will practically melt into the meat loaf as it bakes, so steer clear of artisan breads that are overly chewy or crusty.
Step 2: Combine
In a second large bowl, combine the beef, Parmesan, salt, pepper, seasoned salt, parsley and eggs. Add the soaked bread to the mixture. Then, using clean hands, mix the meat loaf ingredients until evenly blended.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t love the idea of mixing meat loaf ingredients by hand, use a large food processor. Pulse the ingredients until fully incorporated, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Step 3: Shape
Transfer the meat mixture to a foil-lined broiler pan (or a sheet pan lined with oven-safe cooling racks), shaping it into a long and stout loaf.
To ensure the meat loaf cooks in the specified time, aim for a loaf that is roughly 15 inches long and 6 inches wide.
Step 4: Wrap with bacon
Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meat loaf, overlapping slightly to ensure the meat loaf is fully encased in bacon once cooked. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the meat loaf, pulling them taut to give the meat loaf stability and shape. Set aside.
Step 5: Mix the sauce
Next, mix up the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard powder, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush one-third of the mixture over the top and sides of the meat loaf and set the remaining aside.
Editor’s Tip: If your family is sensitive to heat, omit the hot sauce. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, honey would also work well in this recipe.
Step 6: Cook
Bake the meat loaf for 45 minutes, then baste with another one-third of the sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
Editor’s Tip: Meat loaf should not be pink in the middle. If you want to guarantee a perfectly cooked meat loaf every time, invest in a simple instant-read thermometer. Near the end of cooking, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat loaf. When it registers an internal temperature of 160°, it’s done.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Remove the meat loaf and let rest, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into slices and serve with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy! Hungry for more? Check out our collection of stuffed meatloaf recipes.
Here’s What I Thought
All hail Ree Drummond! She’s the queen of meat loaf recipes (and this tasty Pioneer Woman chili).
I’ve eaten a lot of meat loaf in my life, and this recipe is hands-down my favorite. (Dare I say, it’s even better than this Ina Garten meat loaf?)
I had never made a meat loaf using soaked pieces of fresh bread before (or these other secret meat loaf ingredients), but I loved the supreme moisture and slightly springy texture it lent to the recipe. The sweet yet slightly spicy sauce was also a fantastic finish. It gave the meat loaf so much flavor and made the bacon-wrapped exterior beautifully caramelized and crisp.
The only thing I would change if I made this recipe again? My choice of pants. I found myself going back for a second third helping of this divine meat loaf, so pants with an elastic waistband are highly recommended.
Try These Other Delicious Meat Loaf Recipes
Mom’s Meat LoafThis traditional meat loaf recipe creates a tender, juicy meat loaf topped with a caramelized glaze. The best part: It’s so easy to make, and it’s ready to eat in about an hour!
Learning how to make meat loaf comes down to using the right meat and adding a few binding ingredients. This crowd-pleasing recipe does just that and wins every time—whether it's served with mashed potatoes and buttery homemade rolls or sandwiched between two pieces of bread for lunch.
Air-Fryer Meat LoafThis air-fryer meat loaf is juicy and full of flavor, and it cooks in about half the time as an oven-baked loaf.
There's nothing our trusty air fryer can't handle, including making a killer meat loaf. Juicy and well-seasoned, it cooks in about half the time as an oven-baked loaf and employs a gorgeous glaze to boot.
Li’l Cheddar Meat LoavesI got this recipe from my aunt when I was a teen and have made these miniature loaves many times since. My husband and three children count this main dish among their favorites. —Kathy Bowron, Cocolalla, Idaho
Everything is better in mini form, including meat loaf. Whether you're whipping up a batch for the kiddos or trying to serve smaller portions to the adults, these tiny cheddar loaves are sure to hit the spot and are ready in under an hour. Pair them with these mini pies and tarts for an equally cute dessert.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meat LoafGet a taste of your favorite Cracker Barrel meat loaf with this easy-to-make copycat recipe! Here's a step-by-step guide.
IYKYK when it comes to Cracker Barrel's legendary meat loaf, and this copycat version is a tried-and-true dupe that, dare we say, might even beat the original. Packed with melty cheese, chopped veggies and buttery Ritz crackers, there's a reason this is one of our most-clicked recipes.
Meat Loaf from the Slow CookerSlow-cooker meat loaf is juicy, full-flavored, and easy to prepare. This hands-off dish cooks in the background, and cleanup is a breeze.
Making a meat loaf from scratch may seem daunting, but not when you have a set-it-and-forget-it appliance like a slow cooker to do all the work. This hands-off dish cooks in the background, and cleanup is effortless—no wonder it's one of our favorite ground beef slow-cooker recipes.
Home-Style Glazed Meat LoafThis glazed meat loaf is perfectly moist thanks to the addition of a couple secret ingredients. The sweet-and-tangy brown sugar meat loaf glaze is the perfect finish for this easy meat loaf recipe.
You'll never have to worry about dry meat loaf again once you taste this glazed beauty. It's perfectly moist in the center and smothered in a silky sauce on top. Instead of topping the loaf with ketchup alone, we simmer ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon mustard together, then coat it for an unforgettable sweet and tangy flavor.
Grilled Meat LoafSkip the oven and head to the grill! This grilled meat loaf recipe is a spin on everyone's favorite nostalgic comfort food. Brush ketchup over the meat loaf for an extra bit of tangy sweetness.
Grilled meat loaf is the perfect summertime twist on a comforting family favorite and only requires 10 minutes of prep time. A bit of ketchup brushed over the smoky meat lends a sweet note to each slice and oats sneak in an extra dose of protein. Be sure to use quick-cooking versus old-fashioned oats since they're precooked and will soften with the moisture of the meat loaf.
Ham LoafHam loaf is an old-fashioned recipe that is making a comeback to the dinner table.
Never heard of ham loaf? This retro recipe is said to have originated in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities when butchers turned leftover ham into loaves that families could purchase to glaze and bake at home. You could even add pineapple to the mix for extra sweetness or hot pepper jelly for a kick.
If you like the sound of this ham loaf recipe, don't miss our favorite vintage recipes from the '50s.
Cheeseburger Meat LoafThis easy and very, very cheesy cheeseburger meat loaf recipe will take your meat loaf from "meh" to marvelous.
We love comfort food mashups, and cheeseburger meat loaf definitely falls into that category. Take your favorite part of a burger (ahem, the cheese!), roll it into the meat and top the roll with it. Just add a side of homemade french fries to round out the meal.
Instant Pot Meat LoafWe have revamped our classic meat loaf into an Instant Pot meat loaf. This fast-cooking method seals in moisture and produces a tender loaf that is packed with a ton of flavor.
Instant Pot meat loaf captures all the flavor of a traditional meat loaf, yet it's so easy to make, thanks to a fast cooking method that seals in moisture. Although cooking time may vary depending on your appliance, you'll know the loaf is ready to glaze once the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Onion Meat LoafOur Lipton onion soup meat loaf recipe uses a clever shortcut to add plenty of flavor with minimal prep time. Make it in the slow cooker for an easy dinner.
The secret is out: A packet of Lipton onion soup mix is the key to a well-balanced, perfectly seasoned meat loaf. The best part? No measuring spoons required. While Lipton is our favored brand here, you can use any brand of mix for this recipe or make your own onion soup mix from scratch.
Meat Loaf MuffinsThese freezer-friendly meat loaf muffins are a simple-to-make family favorite recipe. Make them for dinner tonight or to freeze later for quick weeknight meals.
Meat loaf doesn't usually work for passed party apps, but in this case, mini meat loaf muffins are bite-sized morsels everyone will be clamoring to get their hands on. Considering they bake up in under 30 minutes, you'll be able to whip up another batch on the fly when the first runs out.
Meat Loaf with OatmealThis hearty, wholesome meat loaf with oatmeal is a breeze to prepare. And leftovers make for excellent sandwiches!
Hearty and wholesome, this is one loaf oatmeal lovers are sure to enjoy. Swapping out the usual bread crumbs with quick-cooking oats makes for a healthier alternative with a wonderful texture. But whatever you do, don't skip the Worcestershire sauce. That's the holy grail ingredient needed for a superior loaf.
Mini Meat LoavesMy family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. —Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa
This freezer-friendly mini meat loaf recipe makes dinnertime a breeze. Corn-and-rice cereal adds crunch to the loaves while helping them maintain moisture. If your family likes extra sauce, double the ketchup topping recipe, and reserve the leftover sauce for dipping.
BBQ Meat Loaf MinisCheesy, tangy, and super juicy, these mini loaves are a total treat.
For a fun play on traditional meat loaf, try these mini barbecue loaves that can be sprinkled with cheese, then baked for 18 to 22 minutes in a muffin tin. There are a couple of ways to guarantee a juicy barbecue meat loaf every time: Don't overmix the meat when combining the ingredients, and don't overcook the loaves. The longer the loaves cook, the tougher the meat can become.
Turkey Meat LoafThis turkey meat loaf recipe isn’t just for dieters! It may be a healthy spin on a comfort food classic, but it’s as flavorful and juicy as the versions made with ground beef.
While beef and pork may be the go-to meats for meat loaf, turkey is a wise choice for a leaner option. Fat-free milk, shredded carrots, oats and ketchup also impart lots of flavor, without spiking the caloric counts in this recipe.
Taco Meat LoavesPicante sauce, corn, olives, kidney beans and cheese kick up your everyday meat loaf, transforming it into our flavor-packed taco meat loaf.
Tired of the same old taco Tuesday fare? Toss a few Mexican-inspired ingredients—like Picante sauce, olives, corn and south-of-the-border seasonings—with ground beef, mold the mixture into a loaf, then let it bake up under a layer of melty, gooey cheddar cheese for the ultimate taco-style meat loaf.
15-Minute Microwave Meat LoafCozy, comforting meat loaf can be tonight's dinner—even at the last minute. This nifty microwave recipe makes it possible.
Given all the ways to cook meat loaf that we've highlighted in this list, using the microwave to make a loaf probably hasn't crossed your mind. Don't discount this useful kitchen tool, however; a flavorful microwave meat loaf is actually ideal for busy nights since it only takes 15 minutes to execute.
Mozzarella Meat LoafMy five kids weren't fans of meat loaf until I "dressed up" the usual recipe with pizza toppings. These days, they eat this hearty dinner with their own families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
If you can't get your kids to eat their meat loaf, try "dressing up" the usual recipe with pizza toppings. Peppers and mushrooms sauteed in butter, melted mozzarella cheese and a lacquered layer of pizza sauce will change their minds immediately.
