Name: Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20) 3/4 cup crushed buttery crackers 1/2 cup milk 2 large eggs 1/2 cup diced onion 1/3 cup ketchup (for meat mixture) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze) 2 tablespoons brown sugar

This Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf is comfort food at its best. It has everything you want from a hearty weeknight dinner: juicy ground beef, savory seasonings, a soft texture, and that signature sweet-and-savory ketchup glaze that gets caramelized to perfection in the oven. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

The Pioneer Woman’s take on meatloaf is no-fuss, satisfying, and layered with nostalgic flavor. What makes this version special is the addition of buttery crackers instead of breadcrumbs, which gives it a slightly richer taste and soft, tender bite. A generous slathering of tangy ketchup glaze seals the deal and gives every slice a glossy finish with irresistible flavor.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the juiciest meatloaf, go with 80/20 ground beef. The slightly higher fat content keeps the loaf moist as it bakes, especially since this recipe uses crackers, which can soak up some of the juices. If you’d like a leaner version, you can blend in half ground turkey or use 90/10 beef, but make sure not to overbake it, or it may dry out.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

Ground Beef (80/20): This provides the hearty base and ensures moisture and flavor.
Crushed Buttery Crackers: Replaces breadcrumbs for a tender, slightly buttery texture.
Milk: Helps soften the crackers and adds moisture to the meat mixture.
Eggs: Binds the loaf together for clean slicing.
Ketchup: Both in the mix and on top as a glaze, bringing sweetness and tang.
Diced Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a little crunch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
Parsley (optional): For color and a hint of freshness.
Brown Sugar (in glaze): Balances the acidity of the ketchup with sweetness.

How To Make the Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan, depending on your preferred shape. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed buttery crackers, milk, eggs, diced onion, salt, pepper, and a spoonful of ketchup. Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf that’s about 2 inches high. If you’re free-forming it on a sheet, press it into a compact shape so it holds together well.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar. This glaze gives the meatloaf that glossy, tangy-sweet finish. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the raw meatloaf before baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove it from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return it to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices and makes clean slicing easier. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a final touch if desired.

Serving and Storing Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

This meatloaf is best served warm with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered corn. For a comfort food plate that really hits home, drizzle a little extra glaze over each slice when serving.

Leftovers are a bonus! Store any extra slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meatloaf also freezes beautifully—wrap slices individually in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of crackers?

If you don’t have buttery crackers on hand, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed cornflakes. The texture will vary slightly, but it still works.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the loaf up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just bring it to room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

How do I know when meatloaf is done?

The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 160°F. If you don’t have one, look for clear juices and no pink in the middle when sliced.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, but you’ll want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more milk to keep it moist since poultry tends to be leaner.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

That usually means there wasn’t enough binder (egg or cracker) or it was overmixed. Make sure to gently mix just until the ingredients come together.

What can I do with leftover meatloaf?

Leftovers make amazing sandwiches! Slice the meatloaf thick, reheat, and serve it on a toasted bun with extra ketchup or even a fried egg.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comfort Food Twist?

If you enjoyed this Irresistible Pioneer Woman Meatloaf, here are some more savory, crowd-pleasing dinners you’ll want to try next:

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip for an easy weeknight crunch.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet when you’re craving a sizzling skillet meal.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for rich, garlicky goodness with minimal cleanup.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes if you want a cozy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli to satisfy your pasta cravings.

These recipes bring the same homey feel and hearty flavors that make weeknights so much better.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can make it again and again.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you stick to the original glaze, or add a twist? Maybe you tossed in some shredded cheese or used ground turkey?

Leave a comment and let’s talk meatloaf hacks—and don’t forget to check out even more of my daily recipe shares on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest