Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic Southern comfort to dinner tables with hearty ground beef and savory seasonings. Homestyle flavors blend perfectly, promising a nostalgic meal that satisfies hungry families and delivers genuine Southern comfort in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 0.5 cup (75 grams) green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup (115 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment to create a succulent, hearty meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel’s classic recipe.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, finely chopped onions, and diced green bell peppers, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and fold them into the meat mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich and textured base.
- Whisk eggs and whole milk together, then incorporate them into the meat mixture, being careful not to overwork the ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, blending the spices thoroughly but delicately to preserve the meat’s natural moisture.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking sheet, carefully molding it into a uniform loaf shape approximately 9-5 inches long.
- Slide the meatloaf into a preheated oven set at 350F (175C), allowing it to bake for the initial 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf roasts, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
- After the first baking phase, remove the meatloaf and generously brush the glossy glaze across its surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (70C).
- Once cooked, extract the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and intensify the flavors.
- Slice the meatloaf carefully and serve hot, revealing a perfectly cooked, flavorful main dish that captures the essence of home-style comfort food.
Notes
- Prevent dense texture by gently mixing ingredients, using a light touch to combine ground beef with other components without compressing the meat too much.
- Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this classic comfort dish.
- Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture, which helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy without changing the core flavor profile.
- Customize the glaze by experimenting with different sweet-tangy combinations like adding a splash of bourbon, using honey instead of brown sugar, or incorporating a touch of sriracha for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg