Saucy Meatloaf
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Today, I’m excited to talk about my Saucy Meatloaf recipe. I’ve watched every episode of The Pioneer Woman on Food Network since it first aired, and I find Ree Drummond to be a huge inspiration, not only to me but to many food bloggers out there. My daughter has also become a big fan. After watching a couple of episodes with me, she became hooked.
Now, instead of asking to watch shows like Shake It Up or A.N.T. Farm after school, she eagerly wants to watch The Pioneer Woman. It’s quite hilarious. She knows all the episodes by heart and talks about Ree’s family as if they were everyday acquaintances. Often, she reenacts moments from the episodes with her play dishes. Every Saturday morning, the first thing she asks is, “Is there a new episode of Pioneer Woman to watch?”
Recently, while watching an episode of The Pioneer Woman with my daughter, Ree shared her meatloaf recipe, and I realized that I had never shared my own meatloaf recipe with you all. This saucy meatloaf recipe has been passed down from my mother-in-law and features what I consider a secret ingredient—shredded carrots. Not only do they add great flavor, but they also provide added nutrition. My kids don’t even realize there are carrots in it.
The top is covered in a delicious sauce or meatloaf glaze. It adds a nice level of sweetness. I typically serve this with a side of mac and cheese or mashed potatoes, both of which complement the meatloaf wonderfully. It’s a meal my whole family enjoys.
Ingredients for Saucy Meatloaf
- BREADCRUMBS
- MILK
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- SALT
- PEPPER
- CARROT
- LARGE EGGS
- MUSTARD
- KETCHUP
- BROWN SUGAR
Instructions for Saucy Meatloaf
Soak the Bread Crumbs: Start by placing the bread crumbs in a small bowl. Pour the milk over the bread crumbs and let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, shredded carrot, and eggs. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Add the Bread Crumb Mixture: Add the soaked bread crumbs to the meat mixture and mix until fully incorporated. This step helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
Shape and Place in Loaf Pan: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly to form a loaf shape.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar until well combined. Spread this tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The top should be caramelized and slightly crispy.
Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious meatloaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days.
How should I store leftover meatloaf?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months.
Can I use other meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of this meatloaf. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different. A combination of ground pork and ground beef is also delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or celery to the meat mixture. Just make sure to finely chop them so they blend well.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. These alternatives will help bind the meatloaf together.
Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
To make this meatloaf gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
To ensure the meatloaf holds together, make sure to mix the ingredients well. Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking also helps it set.
Can I make mini meatloaves instead of one large loaf?
Yes, you can make mini meatloaves by dividing the mixture into smaller portions and shaping each portion into an individual loaf. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller loaves will cook faster.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Stuffing Mix Meatloaf
- Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs
Saucy Meatloaf
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 medium carrot grated
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp mustard
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Place bread crumbs in a bowl. Pour milk over the bread crumbs and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, salt, pepper, shredded carrot, and eggs until well mixed.
- Add the bread crumb mixture that has been set aside to the meat mixture and mix until well combined.
- Place the meat mixture into a loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the mustard, ketchup and brown sugar. Spread on top of the meat loaf.
- Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees for 45 min to 1 hour until fully cooked, an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature.
