Let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food—Cracker Barrel Meatloaf! Imagine a warm, savory loaf of ground beef that’s perfectly seasoned and baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s juicy, tender, and just like what you’d get at the restaurant. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this meatloaf is bound to win hearts (and stomachs). The best part? It’s deceptively simple to make, yet it tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a meal everyone will gather around and enjoy. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. Imagine a dish that’s just as delicious reheated for leftovers the next day.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is usually a go-to budget ingredient, and paired with simple pantry staples, this recipe is easy on your wallet while delivering big flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, straightforward steps, and a single pan to clean up. Even beginners will feel like pros when making this meatloaf.
- Customizable: If you prefer, you can swap out ground beef for turkey or even a combination of beef and pork. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a tried-and-true favorite. Kids, adults, and everyone in between will love this hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients for this meatloaf. It’s made with a few simple pantry staples, but the result? Pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The base of your meatloaf. Use lean ground beef to keep things juicy without being greasy.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf together while keeping it light and tender. They soak up all the flavors and add the perfect texture.
- Eggs: These are essential for holding everything together and giving the meatloaf that perfect texture.
- Onion: A bit of finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the meatloaf.
- Milk: Just a splash will keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Ketchup: A staple for both the meat mixture and the glaze that goes on top. It adds tanginess and sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth and a little umami punch.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder will bring it all together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get this meatloaf in the oven, shall we?
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking pan or loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Smooth out the top so it cooks evenly.
- Top with Ketchup: Spread a layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf for that perfect, tangy glaze.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let it Rest: Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice extra juicy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Here are a few ideas to make this meal even better:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up the juices from the meatloaf. Add a bit of gravy for extra indulgence.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or peas add a nice contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
- Cornbread: A warm, fluffy slice of cornbread complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf perfectly.
- Salad: A crisp, light salad with a tangy dressing can balance the richness of the dish.
Additional Tips
Here are a few pro tips to help you nail this meatloaf:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it dense. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a meatloaf that’s juicy without being greasy.
- Add a Veggie Twist: Mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini for added flavor and moisture.
- Make Ahead: This meatloaf can be made ahead of time. Just refrigerate it uncooked and bake it when ready to serve.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, you can use ground turkey, though it may be a little drier than beef. Consider adding extra moisture with a bit of extra milk or olive oil. - Q2: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A2: Yes! This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Once it’s cooked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last for up to 3 months. - Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. - Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A4: Absolutely! Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours. - Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! You can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger pan or bake two separate loaves. - Q6: Can I add cheese to the meatloaf?
A6: Yes! Add a handful of shredded cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist. You can also sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. - Q7: How do I make a glaze for the meatloaf?
A7: Mix ketchup with a little brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce for a simple glaze. Spread it on top of the meatloaf before baking. - Q8: What can I serve with this meatloaf?
A8: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad would pair wonderfully with this classic meatloaf. - Q9: Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
A9: Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with oatmeal, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice for a different texture. - Q10: How do I prevent the meatloaf from being dry?
A10: Make sure not to overcook the meatloaf, and consider adding a bit of extra milk or moisture if the mixture feels too dry before baking.
Conclusion
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a keeper, offering up all the comforting flavors you crave in one delicious, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for feeding your family or sharing with friends, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So, give it a try, and trust me—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
This delicious and comforting meatloaf is inspired by the famous Cracker Barrel recipe, featuring a savory blend of ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 sleeve (about 30-35 crackers) Ritz crackers, finely crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Glaze (Optional, but recommended):
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a loaf pan. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. - Mix Gently:
Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the meatloaf from becoming tough. - Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf. - Make the Glaze (Optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. - Glaze the Meatloaf (Optional):
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf if using. - Bake:
Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the juices run clear. - Rest:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meatloaf more tender.
Notes
- Meat Choices: Use ground chuck, ground sirloin, or a mixture of ground beef and pork for variety.
- Ritz Cracker Substitute: You can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Vegetable Variations: Add diced vegetables like carrots or celery to the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier twist.
- Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese in place of cheddar.
- Gravy: Serve the meatloaf with a side of gravy for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8th of the loaf)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg