Food recipes banana bread recipe dinner ideas chocolate chip cookie recipe meatloaf recipe chili recipe pancake recipe french toast recipe lasagna recipe allrecipes chicken breast recipes alfredo sauce recipe beef stew recipe chicken recipes chicken salad recipe easy dinner ideas ground beef recipes mac and cheese recipe old fashioned recipe sugar cookie recipe

Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf Recipe

by

Introduction

Bring the homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen with this easy and delicious Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf recipe. Made with ground beef, onions, green peppers, and a flavorful glaze, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

3️⃣ Shape the Meatloaf:

  1. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet.
  2. Smooth the top and sides to ensure even cooking.

4️⃣ Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth.

5️⃣ Add the Glaze and Bake:

  1. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
  3. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven.
  4. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6️⃣ Rest and Serve:

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or steamed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Flavor: Tastes just like the Cracker Barrel classic.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Family Favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and peppers enhance the flavor.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meatloaf mixture can make it dense.
  3. Make Ahead: Prep the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~1g

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf is the epitome of homestyle cooking. With its tender texture, rich flavor, and sweet-tangy glaze, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Make it for dinner tonight and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Leave a Comment