Mitchell Grace

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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a classic Southern comfort dish made with tender ground beef, buttery Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar, and a sweet tangy glaze. It’s hearty, flavorful, and tastes just like the restaurant favorite—perfect for a cozy family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 445

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup for meatloaf mixture
• ½ cup ketchup for topping
• 2 tbsp brown sugar for topping
• 1 tsp mustard for topping

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowls
• 1 Measuring cups & spoons
• 1 Loaf pan
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 Oven
• 1 Knife & cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and ½ cup ketchup. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape evenly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake uncovered for 55–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is a comforting classic, loved for its rich flavors and homestyle goodness.

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe delivers that same nostalgic taste right in your own kitchen! It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a little comfort after a long day. Picture fluffy mashed potatoes and a side of green beans alongside this delicious meatloaf, and you have a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Get ready to savor every bite of this juicy, flavorful dish that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite Southern diner!

Recipe Overview

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving

This recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual Sunday meal. To streamline your cooking process, consider using a meatloaf pan with lid. This professional-grade non-stick pan features a draining insert to keep your meatloaf moist while allowing excess grease to drain away, making clean-up a breeze.

The meatloaf has a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. To ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly, an instant-read meat thermometer is essential. This handy tool allows you to check the internal temperature quickly, guaranteeing that your dish is safe to eat and cooked just right.

Bringing Cracker Barrel’s signature taste home has never been easier or more delicious! And while you mix up the ingredients, a set of mixing bowls can help keep everything organized. With non-slip bases and easy-pour spouts, these bowls make the prep process less messy and more efficient.

“Whip up this Cracker Barrel meatloaf in just 15 minutes! With a cooking time of only 1 hour, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sundays!”

Nutrition Information

When indulging in comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re eating! This meatloaf recipe packs in tons of flavor while keeping nutrition in mind.

Each serving contains:

– Calories: 300

– Protein: 22g

– Carbohydrates: 18g

– Fat: 15g

– Sodium: 600mg

To make your cooking experience even better, consider using a meatloaf pan with lid for perfectly shaped and easy-to-remove meatloaf. This professional-grade non-stick carbon steel baking pan features a draining insert to help manage the fat while keeping your dish deliciously moist.

For those watching their portions or trying to meet specific nutritional goals, a digital food scale can be a game-changer. It ensures accurate measurements whether you’re baking, cooking, or meal prepping, making it easier to stick to your health goals.

Lastly, to keep things light and flavorful, a spray of healthy cooking oil spray is fantastic for greasing your pan without adding unnecessary calories. This organic extra virgin olive oil spray is perfect for sautéing and grilling, enhancing the overall taste of your meatloaf.

This Southern meatloaf recipe ensures that you can enjoy a hearty meal without sacrificing your health goals. It’s always good to balance indulgence with nutrition, making it a win-win!

Ingredients List

For the Meatloaf:

– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1/2 cup diced onion

– 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper

– 1 egg

– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 1 tsp salt

– 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

– 1/2 cup ketchup

– 2 tbsp brown sugar

– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

This ingredients list is simple yet packed with flavor. You’ll find these staples in most kitchens, making this a truly easy meatloaf recipe you can whip together anytime!

To make your cooking experience even smoother, consider using a quality meatloaf pan with lid. This pan is designed with a draining insert and a lift and serve feature, ensuring your meatloaf cooks evenly and releases perfectly every time.

When it comes to mixing your ingredients, a set of mixing bowls can be incredibly helpful. With various sizes and airtight lids, these stainless steel bowls are perfect for combining your ingredients and storing leftovers without hassle.

Finally, to ensure your meatloaf is cooked to perfection, having a reliable meat thermometer is essential. This instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, providing you confidence that your meatloaf is safe to enjoy.

A comforting meatloaf doesn’t need to be complicated! With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate the Cracker Barrel magic at home. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating your Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a breeze! Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, diced bell pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. A great choice for mixing is the mixing bowls with airtight lids set, which comes with various sizes and is perfect for keeping your ingredients organized and fresh.

3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a nice loaf. For this step, consider using the loaf pan, which is nonstick and ensures your meatloaf releases easily after baking. Press down to ensure it holds together well.

4. Prepare the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar together. Spread this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). To check the temperature accurately, using a meat thermometer is essential. It gives you an instant reading to ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly.

6. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juiciness!

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a homemade meatloaf that rivals any diner’s recipe!

Why settle for takeout when you can create Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf at home? With just a few simple steps, you’re on your way to comfort food bliss!

Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf

To ensure your meatloaf comes out perfect every time, consider these expert tips:

– Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just enough to incorporate everything to keep the meatloaf tender. A good set of mixing bowls, like the mixing bowls set, can help you easily combine ingredients without overworking the mixture.

– Resting Time is Key: Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking. This helps redistribute the juices for a really moist bite. Using a meatloaf pan with lid can not only help you shape the loaf but also keeps it covered while it rests, maintaining moisture.

– Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables, such as shredded carrots or mushrooms, to personalize your meatloaf. This versatility allows you to create a meatloaf uniquely suited to your taste.

– Use Lean Meat: While the recipe calls for 80/20 ground beef for moisture, you can opt for leaner cuts if desired. Just be careful not to dry it out! Using a digital meat thermometer can help you check the internal temperature, ensuring your meatloaf is cooked perfectly without drying it out.

– Make it Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking for an even easier dinner. This can save you time and provide a delicious meal ready to pop in the oven.

With these tips and the right tools, your meatloaf will be restaurant-quality every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about your meatloaf? Here are some common inquiries:

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container, like the Rubbermaid Brilliance 16-Cup Airtight Food Storage Container. It keeps your meatloaf fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats wonderfully!

Can I freeze meatloaf? Absolutely! For freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. A great option for this is the Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, which provides extra strength and durability. Remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with meatloaf? Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for that Southern flair.

With these answers and helpful product suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make your meatloaf experience even better!

Conclusion

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a game changer for anyone longing for the comforting tastes of home.

With its rich flavor, simple ingredients, and satisfying texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Consider inviting friends or family over for a hearty meal, and watch as they savor every bite!

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Frequently Asked Questions