Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that warms the heart and fills the belly! Imagine a tender, savory loaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a medley of spices, all topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for a meal that feels like a warm hug. With every bite, you’ll be transported to that charming country kitchen, making it a must-try for any comfort food lover!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- 1 baking dish For shaping and baking the meatloaf.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef The main protein that gives the meatloaf its hearty texture.
- 1 cup Ground Turkey A leaner alternative to beef, perfect for a lighter version.
Binders
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a nice texture.
- 1 large Eggs Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Onion Adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Adds depth and umami to the meatloaf.
- 1/4 cup Ketchup Provides sweetness and moisture, and is often used as a glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Mustard Adds a tangy kick that complements the meat.
- to taste teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- to taste teaspoon Pepper Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.
- to taste tablespoon Parsley Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out perfectly!
- Collect 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Make sure it’s even on all sides for consistent cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of ketchup with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it extra juicy!
- Slice your meatloaf into thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf!
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth to your table.
- Simple ingredients that create a rich, savory flavor.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
- Leftovers make for delicious sandwiches the next day!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 1 hour |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free Option |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | With Mashed Potatoes |
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Ground Beef – the main protein that gives the meatloaf its hearty texture.
- Ground Turkey – a leaner alternative to beef, perfect for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs – helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a nice texture.
- Eggs – acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
- Onion – adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
- Bell Pepper – brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic Powder – enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.
- Worcestershire Sauce – adds depth and umami to the meatloaf.
- Ketchup – provides sweetness and moisture, and is often used as a glaze.
- Mustard – adds a tangy kick that complements the meat.
- Salt – essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Pepper – adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.
- Parsley – freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out perfectly!
Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Make sure it’s even on all sides for consistent cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of ketchup with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it extra juicy!
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice your meatloaf into thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf!
Pro Tips for Making the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
• Use a mix of ground beef and turkey for a lighter texture and flavor.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to keep the meatloaf moist.
• Don’t overmix the ingredients; gently combine them for a tender loaf.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs for a personal touch.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combo.
- Pair with steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch.
- Top with a dollop of tangy ketchup or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a side of buttery corn on the cob for a sweet touch.
- Complement with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Try it in a sandwich with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
- Serve with homemade biscuits to soak up all the delicious juices.
- For a hearty meal, add a side of baked sweet potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow meatloaf to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in an airtight container for extra protection.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
• Slice meatloaf into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
• Thaw meatloaf slices in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil.
• Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use medium power for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ground beef in the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken. These options will provide a lighter flavor while still keeping the meatloaf moist. Just be sure to add a bit of extra seasoning to enhance the taste!
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply shape it and bake it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights!
What sides pair well with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread for a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love!
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