Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with classic flavors and hearty ingredients. Home cooks can recreate this nostalgic dish that promises rich beef, tangy sauce, and homestyle satisfaction you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 grams) crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Glaze:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and preheating the oven to a steady 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
- Select a baking sheet and layer it with parchment paper or gently coat a loaf pan with a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, eggs, and diced onions, using your hands to blend the ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
- Gently fold in the milk, carefully incorporating it into the meat mixture to maintain a soft, cohesive texture without overworking the protein.
- Mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, ensuring uniform density and smooth surface for even cooking and appealing presentation.
- Create a zesty glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate small bowl, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Generously spread the prepared glaze over the top of the formed meatloaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides for maximum flavor coverage.
- Transfer the adorned meatloaf to the prepared baking sheet or pan, positioning it centrally for consistent heat distribution.
- Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating thorough cooking.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final result.
- Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
- Consider adding finely grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and hidden vegetables that boost nutritional value.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the classic texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 456
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 615 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg