Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort food speaks volumes about home-cooked memories, and this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe captures the essence of hearty, nostalgic dining.

Generations have cherished the rich, savory flavors that make this dish a true classic.

Tender meat blends seamlessly with carefully selected seasonings, creating a mouthwatering experience that warms the soul.

Each bite tells a story of traditional American cooking, bringing simple ingredients together in perfect harmony.

The recipe promises a delightful meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor every delicious morsel of this beloved comfort dish.

Creative Takes On Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers. Use ground turkey or lean chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Add extra cheese or chopped mushrooms to maintain moisture and enhance flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based protein. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for similar umami taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and add cumin and chili powder to the meat mixture. Replace ketchup glaze with a smoky chipotle sauce for extra kick.

FAQs

• Why use crackers instead of breadcrumbs?

Crackers add a unique texture and subtle buttery flavor that breadcrumbs can’t match. They help create a lighter, more tender meatloaf with a slight crunch.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork works great. Just ensure you maintain the same meat-to-ingredient ratio for the best texture and flavor.

• How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F for safe consumption. This ensures the meat is fully cooked without becoming dry.

• Is it necessary to let the meatloaf rest after cooking?

Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This step ensures each slice is moist and flavorful, preventing a dry and crumbly texture.

Why Everyone Loves Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• The combination of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and sweet-tangy glaze creates an irresistible taste that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation make this recipe a weeknight dinner superhero, saving you time and cleanup stress.
• Packed with familiar ingredients and a kid-friendly taste profile, this meatloaf brings everyone together around the dinner table with its hearty, comforting appeal.

Ingredients For Classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty foundation of this traditional meatloaf.
• Crushed Crackers: These add a wonderful texture and help bind the meatloaf together.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a rich, melty element that enhances the overall flavor.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add depth and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf.
• Milk, Beaten Eggs: Essential ingredients that help keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy and sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of the meatloaf.

Directions For Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup and easier serving.

Step 2: Mix Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Crushed crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Milk
• Beaten eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently blend all ingredients using your hands.

Be careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain a tender texture.

Step 3: Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Mold it into a rectangular shape approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide.

This shape ensures consistent cooking throughout.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until the meat starts to firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 6: Apply Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the meatloaf from the oven.

Generously spread the prepared glaze across the top.

Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes.

Step 7: Check Internal Temperature

Verify the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This resting period helps redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.

Handy Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Fans

• Mix ingredients with light hands to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf that loses its tender texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfect food safety and juicy results.
• Apply the sweet-tangy glaze generously in the final baking stage to lock in maximum flavor and create a beautiful caramelized top.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier.
• Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for effortless cleanup and smooth meatloaf removal.

How To Store And Heat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 250°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes to prevent drying out.

Favorite Sides For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Comfort Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, savory meatloaf. These wines balance the meat's robust flavors and cut through the sweetness of the glaze.
• Classic Beverage Match: Serve with an ice-cold glass of root beer or cream soda to enhance the comfort food experience. The sweet carbonation provides a delightful contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
• Side Dish Symphony: Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. These sides create a balanced plate with complementary textures and flavors that elevate the entire meal.
• Herbaceous Garnish: Top the meatloaf with fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a visual and flavor pop.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic American cuisine in this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, a hearty dish packed with savory ground beef and rich, tangy flavors. Home cooks will savor each bite of this nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Meatloaf Base:

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 extra-large eggs, beaten

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (produced using microbial rennet)

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or whole milk

Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Ketchup Glaze:

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, crumbled crackers, shredded cheese, diced bell pepper, minced onion, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to maintain a light texture without compressing the meat.
3. Mold the meat mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Place the formed meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, create the glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small mixing bowl.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes and generously coat the surface with the prepared glaze, covering every inch for maximum flavor.
7. Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute the internal juices and ensures a moist, tender result.
9. Slice and serve the meatloaf, enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Gentle mixing prevents tough, dense meatloaf by maintaining meat’s delicate texture and preventing protein overworking.
• Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to keep meatloaf moist without excessive greasiness while ensuring rich flavor.
• Customize glaze intensity by adjusting mustard and Worcestershire sauce ratios, creating personalized sweet-tangy balance.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting crushed crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg