Pioneer Woman Meatloaf – Savory, Bacon-Wrapped Comfort Food

Pioneer Woman Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food, combining the flavors of ground beef, savory bacon, and a tangy sauce. This meatloaf is wrapped in crispy bacon, which infuses it with extra flavor while keeping it moist throughout the baking process. The bread soaked in milk helps create a tender texture, while the seasoning gives it a wonderful depth of flavor. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or prepping ahead for a weeknight meal, this meatloaf is an easy and satisfying choice. Serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:
  
  

  • 1 cup whole milk
    
    

  • 6 slices white bread
    
    

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
    
    

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    
    

  • 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
    
    

• For the Sauce:
  
  

  • 1½ cups ketchup
    
    

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    
    

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
    
    

  • 1 dash Tabasco sauce
    
    

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a broiler pan with foil and set it aside.
   
   

2. Add the slices of bread to a large bowl and pour the milk over them. Let them soak for about 5 minutes.
   
   

3. Add the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, regular salt, black pepper, parsley, and beaten eggs to the bowl with the soaked bread. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
   
   

4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, about 5 inches wide, and place it on the prepared broiler pan.
   
   

5. Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, making sure to tuck the ends underneath. Arrange the slices so that they touch but don’t overlap.
   
   

6. In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Tabasco sauce for the topping. Mix well.
   
   

7. Brush ⅓ of the sauce over the meatloaf.
   
   

8. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush another ⅓ of the sauce over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 25 minutes.
   
   

9. Let the meatloaf sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier loaf.
   
   

10. Serve the meatloaf with the remaining sauce and enjoy!
    
    

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 628 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 24g
  
  

• Protein: 33g
  
  

• Fat: 42g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 16g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 195mg
  
  

• Sodium: 1065mg
  
  

• Potassium: 548mg
  
  

• Sugar: 14g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 565 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 4mg
  
  

• Calcium: 279mg
  
  

• Iron: 3.8mg