Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with hearty ground beef and savory seasonings. Home cooks can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite, promising a delicious meal packed with nostalgic flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Dry and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ground beef with cracker crumbles, shredded cheese, beaten eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation.
- Fold in diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and all seasonings, gently mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
- Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets and create a uniform density.
- Transfer the formed loaf into the prepared pan, positioning it centrally for even cooking.
- Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl to create a glossy, tangy glaze with balanced sweetness.
- Generously brush half of the glaze over the raw meatloaf, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, creating a second layer of flavor and moisture.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
- Slice and serve warm, presenting a classic comfort food dish with robust flavors and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture in the meatloaf.
- Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers briefly before mixing to enhance their flavor and soften their texture.
- Consider using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- For a low-carb version, replace crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds while maintaining the dish’s classic taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 446 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg