Cozy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Magic on a Plate

Hearty home-style cooking finds its champion in this cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that promises comfort on a plate.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through every savory bite.

Robust ground beef mingles with classic seasonings, creating a delectable centerpiece for dinner.

Moist and flavorful, each slice tells a story of traditional American cuisine.

Crispy edges and tender interior make this dish irresistible to everyone around the table.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of warmth and satisfaction.

Let’s uncover the magic that turns ordinary ground meat into an extraordinary meal you’ll crave again and again.

Tips To Nail Cracker Barrel Meatloaf At Home

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to maintain a tender, juicy meatloaf.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for richer taste and better moisture retention.
• Create Perfect Glaze: Whisk brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to develop a balanced sweet and tangy coating.
• Ensure Food Safety: Check internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer for proper cooking.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow meatloaf to sit 10-15 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute and make slicing easier.

Flavor Swaps For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same texture and binding properties.
• Vegetarian Meatloaf Alternative: Swap ground meats with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles, using flax eggs as a binding agent for a hearty meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Keto Meatloaf: Eliminate breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds instead, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic meatloaf structure and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano into the meat mixture, creating a Greek-style interpretation with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

What To Pair With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its richness and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Classic Comfort Sides: Serve creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed cauliflower to absorb the delicious glaze and provide a smooth textural contrast to the dense meatloaf.
• Brighten with Fresh Vegetables: Add steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to introduce a crisp, green element that balances the heavy protein and adds nutritional variety to the plate.
• Elevate with Tangy Condiments: Prepare a small side of quick pickled vegetables or a zesty coleslaw to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between savory bites.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Meatloaf With Care

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.

FAQs For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Is it okay to use only ground beef for this meatloaf?

Yes, you can use just ground beef, but mixing ground beef and pork creates a more complex, richer flavor and juicier texture.

• Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop deeper flavors.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or skip it, but Worcestershire sauce adds a unique umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feels Like A Warm Hug

• Craft Family Comfort Classic: Perfect hearty main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with pure deliciousness.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home chefs.
• Personalize with Ease: Customize the meatloaf by swapping herbs, adding cheese, or incorporating different ground meat combinations to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Maximize Flavor Impact: Tangy-sweet glaze transforms an ordinary meatloaf into a mouthwatering centerpiece that delivers rich, complex taste sensations with every single bite.

Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the core of the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps create a more complex meat texture.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a tender texture and help hold the meatloaf together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf soft and juicy.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Provide depth and tanginess to the meat mixture.
• Onion, Garlic: Deliver aromatic and savory notes to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Seasonings that enhance the meat's natural taste.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Set your oven to a warm 350°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Combine Meat Mixture

In a big mixing bowl, blend ground beef and ground pork together. Use your hands to break up the meat and create an even texture.

Step 3: Add Binding Ingredients

Crack eggs into the meat blend and sprinkle in breadcrumbs to help hold everything together perfectly.

Step 4: Pour in Moisture Enhancers

Add milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to give your meatloaf extra juiciness and rich flavor.

Step 5: Chop and Season

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Step 6: Gently Mix Ingredients

Carefully combine all components, being super gentle to keep the meat tender and avoid making it tough.

Step 7: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mold it into a beautiful loaf shape with softly rounded edges.

Step 8: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Spread the glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf for maximum flavor coverage.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cook in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe eating.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps redistribute the delicious juices and makes slicing easier.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings hearty comfort straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Savory beef, perfectly seasoned and glazed, promises a nostalgic meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families with classic home-style goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Binding and Moisture:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Seasoning and Flavor:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, breaking up the meat with your hands to ensure even distribution.
3. Crack eggs into the meat mixture, then add breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together.
4. Pour in milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, which will enhance moisture and add depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
5. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, then incorporate them into the meat mixture along with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
6. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a uniform loaf with slightly rounded edges.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy, sweet glaze.
9. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
11. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, allowing juices to redistribute and making it easier to serve.
12. Slice into thick portions and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Notes

• Substitute ground pork with turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Add finely grated carrots or zucchini into meat mixture to boost vegetable intake and create extra moisture without changing primary taste.
• Gluten-sensitive individuals can replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain binding properties.
• Consider preparing meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerating for several hours, which allows seasonings to deeply penetrate meat and intensify overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 685 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg