Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is known for being moist, tender, and full of flavor. With a balance of ground beef, seasonings, and a tangy tomato-based glaze, this meatloaf is a comforting dish that everyone loves. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Moist & Tender: The combination of beef and seasonings keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
• Savory Glaze: The tangy tomato glaze is the perfect complement to the rich meatloaf.
• Classic Comfort Food: This dish brings the nostalgic comfort of a home-cooked meal, just like what you’d find at Cracker Barrel.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for a juicy meatloaf)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for added flavor and moisture)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• 9×5-inch loaf pan (or similar-sized baking dish)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Small bowl for glaze

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches) with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an even loaf. You can also shape it by hand and place it on a baking sheet if you prefer.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. Combine the glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder (if using). The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick.
2. Glaze the meatloaf: Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, covering it evenly. Set aside the remaining glaze for serving.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you like a slightly caramelized glaze, you can increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
2. Check for doneness: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice and serve: Slice the meatloaf into thick, hearty pieces. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side for drizzling.

Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Use a mix of meats: Using both ground beef and ground pork adds extra moisture and flavor, but you can stick with just ground beef if you prefer.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to a tough meatloaf. Just mix until combined and avoid compacting the meat.
• Rest the meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest after baking to make slicing easier and prevent it from falling apart.
• Add extras: If you like, you can add extras like finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated cheese to the meat mixture for added flavor.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is So Popular

• Comforting & Flavorful: The moist meatloaf paired with the sweet-tangy glaze is a classic combination that’s loved by many.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it an easy and budget-friendly meal.
• Great for Leftovers: This meatloaf makes excellent leftovers and can be used in sandwiches or served with other side dishes for another meal.
• Family Favorite: Meatloaf is a beloved family dinner staple, Beef and Pepper Rice Bowland this version is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal (for a 1/6 slice of meatloaf, glaze included)
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. This recipe brings all the elements of a perfect meatloaf, from the tender texture to the delicious glaze, making it a family favorite that’s sure to be enjoyed time and time again. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef