BEST CRACKER BARREL MEATLOAF EVER

Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of tender, juicy meatloaf, its savory aroma filling your kitchen just like stepping into your favorite cozy restaurant; with its slightly sweet glaze and perfectly seasoned interior, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite, bringing that comforting, homestyle goodness right to your dinner table, and I promise you, it’s easier to make than you think!

The Star of the Show: Ingredients

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended)
• 1 cup bread crumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Gather Your Tools and Get Ready

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. This recipe is straightforward, but having your ingredients measured and your equipment ready will make the whole process much smoother.

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl for the glaze
• Whisk or fork

Step-by-Step Instructions to Meatloaf Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious Cracker Barrel Meatloaf ready in no time. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; I’ll guide you through each step.

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a large spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. A light, even mixing is all you need.

2. Shape the Meatloaf:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to create an even surface. Make sure it’s snug but not overly compacted.

3. Prepare the Glaze:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until well combined. This sweet and tangy glaze is what gives our meatloaf that signature Cracker Barrel flavor.

4. Apply the Glaze and Bake:

   Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.

5. Rest and Serve:

   Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn.

Troubleshooting: My Meatloaf is…

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common meatloaf issues and how to fix them:

• Dry: Did you overmix the meat? Overmixing can lead to a dry meatloaf. Also, make sure you’re using ground beef with a good fat content (80/20 is ideal). Adding a little extra milk can also help.
• Too Dense: Again, overmixing could be the culprit. Also, ensure you aren’t packing the meat mixture too tightly into the loaf pan.
• Falling Apart: Not enough binder (like breadcrumbs or eggs) can cause this. Make sure you’re using the correct proportions of ingredients.
• Bland: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking! Add more garlic powder, thyme, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Flavor Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

While this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Meatloaf: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture for a kick.
• Italian Meatloaf: Use Italian bread crumbs, add some grated Parmesan cheese, and season with Italian herbs.
• Cheesy Meatloaf: Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the meatloaf with bacon strips before baking for a smoky and savory twist.

Sides That Complete the Meal

A great meatloaf deserves equally delicious sides. Here are some classic and creative side dish ideas to complement your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Green beans almondine
• Corn on the cob
• Macaroni and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Dinner rolls

Storing and Reheating Your Meatloaf

Meatloaf is fantastic for leftovers! Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:

• Storing: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat meatloaf in the oven, microwave, or skillet. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the meatloaf in foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, heat slices in 30-second intervals until warm. For the skillet, pan-fry slices in a little oil over medium heat until browned and heated through.

Other Delicious Comfort Food Recipes

If you are looking for other ideas for a hearty dinner, you should try some of these recipes. If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, you’ll definitely want to check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. Or for a different take on ground beef, try these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. For a classic, you can’t go wrong with this Meatloaf. If you want individual servings, these Mini Meatloaf are perfect! And for a lighter option, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf!

There you have it! A foolproof recipe for recreating the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy this classic dish anytime you crave it. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying meal!

Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Ever

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This recipe recreates the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf. With a savory aroma, slightly sweet glaze, and perfectly seasoned interior, this meatloaf is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s surprisingly easy to make and brings homestyle goodness to your dinner table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl
• whisk or fork
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Gently mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a large spoon. Be careful not to overmix.
• Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
• Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to create an even surface.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until well combined to make the glaze.
• Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
• After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
• Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a moister meatloaf, use ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 is ideal) and avoid overmixing. To prevent the meatloaf from falling apart, ensure you use the correct proportions of breadcrumbs and eggs. Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil for 15-20 minutes, in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or pan-fry slices in a little oil over medium heat.