If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food that hugs you from the inside, then you absolutely must try this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. It captures the nostalgic essence of those cozy dinners at the famous chain but with a straightforward, homemade spin that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite offers a tender, juicy texture balanced perfectly by a slight sweetness from the glaze and the rich sharpness of cheddar cheese mixed right into the meat. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and makes everyone ask for seconds before the first plate is even empty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Each one is simple yet essential, working together to create the perfect blend of texture, moisture, and flavor that defines a true classic meatloaf.
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, juicy base of the meatloaf that keeps it moist and meaty.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and wonderful aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional): Offers a gentle crunch and a pop of color for visual appeal and freshness.
- 48 Ritz crackers, crushed: These act as the perfect binder, soaking up juices and keeping the meatloaf tender.
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of creamy, tangy goodness throughout the loaf.
- 3 eggs: Help hold everything together so the loaf slices beautifully without crumbling.
- 1/2 cup milk: Ensures moisture that keeps the meatloaf from drying out during baking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors in the meat and other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup: Forms the base of the classic, tangy-sweet glaze that crowns the meatloaf.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the ketchup with its deep molasses sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Gives a nice little tang to brighten the glaze’s flavor profile.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly, developing a beautiful crust while staying juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Setting this aside now means it’s ready to spread for that signature sweet and tangy finish.
Step 3: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, finely diced onion, and bell pepper if you’re using it, plus salt and black pepper. This combination forms the delicious, cohesive base before adding the star ingredient—ground beef.
Step 4: Fold in the Ground Beef
Gently fold the ground beef into your mixture just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf, so be as gentle as possible while ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan, shaping it to fit nicely. Bake for 30 minutes to start the cooking process and help the flavors meld.
Step 6: Add the Glaze and Continue Baking
Carefully spread the prepared glaze over the partially baked meatloaf. Return it to the oven for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, baking until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This step creates that iconic, sticky-sweet crust everyone loves.
Step 7: Rest Before Slicing
Allow the meatloaf to cool and rest for about 15 minutes out of the oven. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice while locking in all those wonderful juices and flavors.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of fresh color and a mild herbal note that brightens every slice. For a touch of indulgence, a little shredded cheddar melted on top just before serving never hurts.
Side Dishes
Classic meatloaf deserves classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or roasted carrots bring balance and texture. For a touch of Southern flair reminiscent of Cracker Barrel, try pairing with creamy macaroni and cheese or a tangy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this humble meatloaf into the star of your dinner table by slicing it thick and serving open-faced as sliders on dinner rolls with extra glaze drizzled on top. You can also hollow out the center slightly for a cheesy surprise or serve it alongside a sunny side-up egg for a comforting brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner rewinds.
Freezing
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in foil and then plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a low oven or toaster oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave on a medium setting but cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef for another type of meat?
Absolutely! While traditional Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe uses lean ground beef, you can swap in ground turkey or a beef-pork blend for slightly different flavors and textures. Just be mindful that leaner meats may need a little extra moisture added.
Is it necessary to use Ritz crackers, or can I use something else?
Ritz crackers offer a buttery, slightly salty flavor that complements the meatloaf wonderfully, but you can substitute plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the quantity the same for texture.
How can I make the meatloaf gluten-free?
To keep this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe gluten-free, simply replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a straightforward swap.
What’s the best way to test if the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer; the meatloaf is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s safe yet still juicy.
Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the glaze and bake fresh when ready to serve, which can make dinner day even easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a homemade meatloaf, especially one as comforting and flavorful as this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. It brings together simple ingredients and classic techniques to create a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I can’t wait for you to try it and have your own tasty tradition in the kitchen!
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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef with crunchy Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful ketchup glaze for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 48 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix well and set aside to be used later as a flavorful glaze topping.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk, finely diced onion, optional bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Incorporate Ground Beef: Gently fold the ground beef into the mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form and Bake Initial Phase: Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start cooking through.
- Add Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the prepared glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes for easier, cleaner slices when serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture as it can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Using lean ground beef helps keep the meatloaf healthier and less greasy.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing ensures juicier slices.
- The glaze can be adjusted according to your preferred sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar or mustard.
- If you prefer, substitute the bell pepper with finely diced green chilies for a spicier flavor.
