Kickin Country Meatloaf with a Smoky Glaze
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like you need a big ol' hug in food form? This pioneer woman meatloaf recipe is just that! Honestly, it's the kind of comfort food recipe that makes everything feel right in the world, especially with that sweet and smoky glaze.
Brief Overview
Meatloaf, a dish steeped in American culinary history, gets a modern twist. This easy meatloaf recipe takes about an hour and a half from start to finish.
It serves six to eight hungry people.
Main Benefits
This best meatloaf recipe isn't just about comfort. It's packed with protein from the ground beef, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
It is perfect for a weeknight dinner ideas , plus it's way better than takeout. Trust me, this recipe is special because it combines simplicity with bold flavors.
My Meatloaf Confession
Oh my gosh, I have to confess something! The first time I ever tried to make meatloaf, it was a total disaster.
Think dry, crumbly, and about as appetizing as shoe leather. But hey, we all start somewhere, right? That's why I'm obsessed with finding the juicy meatloaf .
This recipe I'm sharing with you today is the result of years of trial, error, and a whole lot of taste testing.
The Pioneer Woman Meatloaf Magic
What exactly makes this meatloaf recipe stand out? Well, first off, it's inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, The Pioneer Woman recipes , Ree Drummond.
Secondly, this isn't just any classic meatloaf recipe . We're talking about a next level meatloaf glaze recipe that is sweet, smoky, and just a tiny bit tangy.
It complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.
Ingredients You'll Need
You know the drill! Let's gather our forces. For the meatloaf, grab ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a mix of dried spices.
For the glaze, you'll need ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. You will find these ground beef recipes the bomb.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Alright, let's talk ingredients! Making a pioneer woman meatloaf doesn't need to be a chore. This classic meatloaf recipe is all about simple goodness.
It's one of those comfort food recipes that just hits the spot, right?
Main Ingredients: The Meatloaf Magic
Here’s what you'll need to make this easy meatloaf recipe sing:
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds (900g) . Aim for an 80/20 blend. It makes for a juicy meatloaf .
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g) . Adds a lovely texture.
- Yellow Onion (diced): 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g) . Don't skimp, it needs to be really finely diced to not have large chunks.
- Green Bell Pepper (diced): 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g) . Same as the onion, go finely diced!
- Eggs: 2 large . Lightly beaten, please!
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Adds moisture to our meatloaf.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This is a MUST for that umami kick.
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves . Fresh is best.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . For that subtle earthy flavour.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a little smoky depth, love this spice!
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
Glaze Goodness: A Sweet & Smoky Dream
The meatloaf glaze recipe is where the real magic happens. It's the key to the best meatloaf recipe !
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml) . The base of our glaze.
- Brown Sugar (packed): 1/4 cup (60ml) . Adds sweetness and caramelisation.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For that tangy balance.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Liquid Smoke: 1 teaspoon . Don't go overboard, a little goes a long way!
Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Flavour
- Spice it Up: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are your best friends. They bring depth and complexity.
- Flavor Boosters: Worcestershire sauce is non-negotiable. It adds a savoury depth.
- Quick Swaps: No thyme? Use Italian seasoning. No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar works.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple
For this easy meatloaf recipe , you won’t need any fancy kit. Just your basic essentials:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Small saucepan (for the glaze)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Instant read thermometer
Don't have a loaf pan? Use an oven safe dish. See? No need to be a professional chef to nail this weeknight dinner idea .
And remember, this is ground beef recipes at its finest, so grab that beef and let's get cooking! We want it to be juicy meatloaf . Remember, meatloaf variations exist.
Cooking Method: Ace Your Meatloaf Game
Honestly, who doesn't love a good meatloaf? It's proper comfort food recipes , isn't it? Today, we're diving into making a truly cracking pioneer woman meatloaf , inspired by the queen of comfort herself, Ree Drummond! We're aiming for something that's easy, mega juicy, and bursting with flavour.
This is how to nail a classic meatloaf recipe every single time.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , my friends. Dice up your onion and bell pepper. Mince that garlic like you mean it.
Get your breadcrumbs, spices, and wet ingredients all measured out. Organisation is key, innit? This is essential prep for a successful easy meatloaf recipe .
For safety, remember to wash your hands after handling raw ground beef! You know, the usual.
step-by-step: From Bowl to Belly
Here’s the lowdown on how to get this best meatloaf recipe spot on. This will be your perfect weeknight dinner ideas .
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C). It's gotta be ready for action!
- Sauté your diced onion and bell pepper. Get them nice and soft in a pan for about 5- 7 minutes. Let them cool down a bit.
- Mix it all up: In a big bowl, gently combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed veggies, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Don't overmix it, though!
- Shape and place: Gently plop the mixture into your loaf pan. Give it a little press to fill the pan evenly.
- Whip up the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together your ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. Simmer it until the sugar dissolves and it thickens. That meatloaf glaze recipe is everything!
- Bake time: Pop that loaf in the oven for 45 minutes .
- Glaze it up: Take it out and brush half of that delicious glaze all over it.
- Bake again: Back in the oven for another 15- 25 minutes , or until it hits an internal temperature of 160° F ( 71° C) . Baste with the rest of the glaze in the last 5 minutes . Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Meatloaf
Want to take your juicy meatloaf to the next level? Here's the scoop.
- Don't be a mix master: Overmixing is a common mistake that leads to a tough loaf. Be gentle!
- Invest in a meat thermometer. It's the only way to be sure it's cooked perfectly.
- make-ahead magic: You can mix the meatloaf and store it in the fridge a day before baking. This allows flavors to meld.
So, there you have it: A pioneer woman recipes inspired meatloaf that's bound to be a hit. Enjoy your new favourite ground beef recipes !
Recipe Notes: Meatloaf Mastery
Alright, so you're about to tackle this classic meatloaf recipe , huh? Let’s chat! These are my tips, and tricks.
It is from my experiences to make sure yours turns out perfect. It’s based on the pioneer woman meatloaf approach, so you know it’s gonna be good.
Serving Up Success: Plating & Pairings
Think beyond just slapping a slice on a plate. Honestly, presentation matters! For plating the best meatloaf recipe , arrange slices slightly offset on a plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprig of thyme. A dollop of mashed potatoes looks cute and tastes awesome.
Complementary sides? You can't go wrong with mashed potatoes and gravy. I've tried it with roasted vegetables and it's a winner.
Creamy coleslaw is fantastic. As for drinks, an ice-cold glass of sweet tea, or a robust red wine is ideal.
These comfort food recipes are meant to be shared.
Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh
Proper storage is key. Store your juicy meatloaf correctly! It will keep that fresh taste. Leftover meatloaf is a treasure, not trash.
Refrigerate: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Pop it into an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, slice the meatloaf. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: My fave method is in the oven at 325° F ( 163° C) . This keeps it moist. You can microwave it but, be careful not to overcook it! Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Meatloaf Magic: Variations on a Theme
Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit! This easy meatloaf recipe is adaptable. I encourage it!
Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, add shredded apple or butternut squash to the meatloaf mixture. In the summer, use fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Using ground beef recipes you can customize your meal perfectly.
Nutrition Nuggets: A Balanced Bite
Let's keep it real: meatloaf isn't exactly health food. It does provide protein, iron, and some B vitamins. Each serving has approximately 450 calories .
35g Protein, 25g Fat, 20g Carbs, 600mg Sodium. It’s all good stuff!
Knowing the basics helps you balance your meal. Pair it with a big salad or steamed veggies!
So there you have it. It's my take on the pioneer woman recipes for serving notes. Get in that kitchen! Give this meatloaf a try.
This might just become your go-to weeknight dinner ideas . Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my pioneer woman meatloaf from being dry?
Nobody wants a meatloaf that resembles the Sahara Desert! The key to a juicy meatloaf is to avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, resulting in a tougher texture. Also, don't overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Remember, it will continue to cook as it rests.
Can I freeze leftover pioneer woman meatloaf?
Absolutely! Meatloaf freezes like a charm. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer safe container. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Makes a great leftover sandwich filling, too!
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in the pioneer woman meatloaf recipe?
If you're out of breadcrumbs or looking for a gluten-free option, there are several alternatives. Crushed Ritz crackers (a proper guilty pleasure!), rolled oats (pulse them in a food processor first), or even crushed potato chips can work well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Is it possible to make the pioneer woman meatloaf ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the meatloaf mixture a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld together even more! Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it separately.
What's the best way to get that signature smoky flavour in the pioneer woman meatloaf glaze?
Liquid smoke is your best friend for achieving that smoky flavour. Start with the amount suggested in the recipe (1 teaspoon) and adjust to your liking. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meatloaf mixture itself for an extra layer of smokiness.
Be careful not to overdo it, though a little goes a long way!
Can I add different vegetables to my pioneer woman meatloaf?
Absolutely! Meatloaf is a great way to sneak in extra veggies. Shredded carrots, zucchini, or finely chopped mushrooms can be added to the meatloaf mixture. Just be sure to sauté them first to release some of their moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming soggy.
This is a great way to customize the recipe and use up what you have in the fridge!
Kickin Country Meatloaf With A Smoky Glaze
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
