The Perfect Homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort meets nostalgia in this hearty cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that promises warmth on every plate.

Memories of home-cooked dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Tender meat mingles with classic seasonings, creating a dish that feels like a loving embrace.

Soft breadcrumbs and rich ground beef form the foundation of this classic comfort meal.

Families gather around, anticipating the robust flavors waiting to be savored.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Dig in and let this meatloaf transport you to a place of pure culinary joy.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: What Makes Them Tasty

• Craft Comfort Food: A classic meatloaf that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, reminding you of home-cooked meals that make everyone feel loved.
• Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work means you can combine ingredients quickly, mix in one bowl, and have a delicious meal ready with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will enjoy this hearty dish that satisfies hunger and delivers rich, familiar flavors everyone craves during family dinners.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy households, this recipe requires straightforward ingredients and simple steps, allowing you to have a delicious meal on the table without complicated techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the classic meatloaf.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a light, tender texture to the dish.
• Eggs: Serves as a crucial binding agent that holds all the ingredients in a cohesive mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Onion, Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup: Provides a tangy, sweet coating that caramelizes during baking and adds moisture to the meatloaf.
• Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy by preventing the meat from becoming too dense.

Cooking Steps For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your delicious meatloaf.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Blend

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these components thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon. Make sure everything is well integrated for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 3: Craft the Meatloaf Shape

Transfer the mixed ingredients onto a baking dish. Gently shape the meat mixture into a classic loaf form, ensuring an even thickness throughout. The shape helps the meatloaf cook consistently.

Step 4: Add the Tangy Topping

Generously spread ketchup across the top of the meatloaf. This adds a delightful sweet and tangy layer that caramelizes during baking, creating a mouthwatering crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the meatloaf cook for one full hour. The cooking time allows the meat to become tender and develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delectable. Slice and serve to hungry diners.

Little Tricks For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a leaner meatloaf.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160F for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Add breadcrumbs soaked in milk for extra moisture and a tender, soft consistency.
• Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content while maintaining great flavor.

Fresh Twists On Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace ketchup with salsa, add diced green chilies, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky BBQ Meatloaf: Top with barbecue sauce instead of ketchup, mix in smoked paprika, and add crispy bacon bits for a rich, smoky taste.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Fold in sautéed mushrooms and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for an earthy, savory variation.

Sides That Work With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, cutting through the richness and enhancing the meat's savory flavors.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food duo by pairing the meatloaf with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious ketchup topping.
• Add Tangy Coleslaw: Balance the meat's heaviness with a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw that provides a refreshing crunch and bright acidity to the plate.
• Enjoy with Sweet Corn Bread: Round out the meal with a slightly sweet corn bread that contrasts nicely with the savory meatloaf and adds a soft, warm texture to the dinner.

Storing Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Properly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Slice meatloaf, place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in baking dish. Add splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Popular Questions

• What makes this meatloaf different from others?

This Cracker Barrel style meatloaf uses a blend of ground beef and ground pork for richer flavor and better texture, creating a more complex and juicy meat mixture.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the fat content and flavor will change slightly. Ground beef and pork combination provides the best traditional taste.

• Why is ketchup important in this recipe?

Ketchup adds a tangy, sweet layer on top that caramelizes during baking, creating a delicious glaze that enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf and keeps the meat moist.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers classic American home cooking with rich ground beef and savory seasonings. Southern-style comfort emerges through hearty flavors you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped

Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blending until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently transfer the meat mixture onto a prepared baking pan, carefully sculpting it into a uniform rectangular shape with slightly rounded edges.
3. Use a spatula to generously coat the entire surface of the meatloaf with a vibrant layer of tangy ketchup, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Place the baking pan into a preheated oven at 350°F, positioning it in the center rack for consistent heat circulation.
5. Allow the meatloaf to roast for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the exterior develops a rich, caramelized appearance.
6. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and facilitates easier slicing.
7. Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter, cutting into thick, hearty portions that showcase the perfectly blended ingredients and moist texture.

Notes

• Ensure meat is at room temperature before mixing to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more tender texture.
• Use lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for balanced moisture and flavor without excess greasiness.
• Avoid overmixing the ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatloaf; gently combine until just incorporated.
• Experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg