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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blending until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently transfer the meat mixture onto a prepared baking pan, carefully sculpting it into a uniform rectangular shape with slightly rounded edges.
- Use a spatula to generously coat the entire surface of the meatloaf with a vibrant layer of tangy ketchup, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking pan into a preheated oven at 350°F, positioning it in the center rack for consistent heat circulation.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and facilitates easier slicing.
- 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