Description
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with classic homestyle flavor. Filled with cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze, it’s the ultimate comfort food everyone will love.
Ingredients
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon wood fired garlic powder
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sautéed vegetables, garlic powder, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
- Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Spread remaining glaze on top and bake another 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture or it can turn dense.
- Sauté veggies before adding for better flavor and texture.
- For extra sauce, double the glaze ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 130mg