Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Description

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a classic Southern comfort dish—moist, tender, and full of homestyle flavor. It’s made with ground beef, buttery Ritz crackers, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a sweet-and-tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. Each slice tastes like a warm hug, just like the beloved restaurant version!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)

  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (or saltine crackers)

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, eggs, onions, peppers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese. Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix).

  3. Shape & Bake: Press mixture evenly into the loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.

  4. Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half the glaze on top of the loaf.

  5. Finish Baking: Return to oven and bake another 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  6. Rest & Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with remaining glaze before serving.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, don’t compact the meat mixture too tightly in the pan.

  • You can substitute ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork.

  • Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day!

Tips

  • Soak the crackers in milk for 5–10 minutes before mixing—this ensures a moist texture.

  • Sauté onions and peppers before adding to the mixture for a sweeter flavor.

  • For a smoky twist, mix a little BBQ sauce into the glaze.

  • Use parchment paper “handles” for easy lifting from the pan.

Servings

  • Makes 6–8 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 390

  • Protein: 26g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 9g

  • Sodium: 720mg

Benefits

  • Protein-packed: Great for muscle health and satiety.

  • Comforting & family-friendly: A perfect meal for cozy dinners or potlucks.

  • Versatile: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.

  • Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients make it affordable and hearty.

Q&A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the loaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add glaze just before baking.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

Q3: What sides go best with it?
Mashed potatoes, buttered corn, green beans, or Cracker Barrel-style mac and cheese are all great companions.

Q4: How do I prevent a greasy loaf?
Use lean ground beef (80/20), and bake on a rack in a baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip off.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Try adding finely diced carrots or celery for more flavor and nutrition.

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