Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Cracker Barrel’s classic meatloaf is a comfort food favorite, and now you can recreate it at home. With a savory blend of tender beef, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful topping, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
The key to this meatloaf’s success is the balance of seasonings and ingredients. The sautéed onions and bell peppers add depth, while crushed Ritz crackers create the perfect texture, making each bite moist and delicious.
Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf offers the perfect combination of flavors. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Ingredients
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is crafted with a blend of hearty, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a tender, satisfying dish. Ground beef provides the rich base, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy, savory depth.
The finely diced onions and bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture. Crushed Ritz crackers work as the perfect binder, ensuring each bite stays moist and full of flavor.
A touch of milk and eggs helps to bring everything together, giving the meatloaf its delicate, tender consistency, while the topping of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard offers a tangy-sweet finish that perfectly complements the savory loaf.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that combines tender beef with a rich, flavorful topping, creating a dish that’s perfect for any family gathering. This homemade version mirrors the classic, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the right balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Avoid Overworking the Meat: When mixing the ground beef, be gentle. Overworking the mixture can lead to a tough meatloaf. Mix just enough to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the loaf remains tender and juicy.
- Use a Loaf Pan: For the best shape and texture, bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan. This helps retain the moisture, preventing the meatloaf from falling apart or drying out during cooking. It also promotes even cooking.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes in the pan. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf easier to slice and preventing the loss of flavor when cut.
What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty meatloaf. The mild, buttery flavor of the potatoes complements the savory beef, while the creaminess balances the sweet, tangy ketchup topping.
- Sautéed Green Beans: For a fresh, crunchy contrast, sautéed green beans with a little garlic and olive oil are an excellent side dish. The slight bitterness of the beans provides a nice balance to the rich, flavorful meatloaf.
- Macaroni and Cheese: If you’re craving something extra comforting, mac and cheese is a delicious side. Its creamy texture and cheesy richness make it a perfect complement to the savory meatloaf, creating a hearty, satisfying meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use leaner beef for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. However, the meatloaf may be slightly drier without the fat content from 80% lean beef. Adding a bit more milk or an extra egg can help retain moisture.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and refrigerate it before baking. Just add the topping right before baking and follow the cooking instructions. It’s a great option for meal prep.
3. How do I store leftover meatloaf?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version of this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative. Be sure to adjust the seasonings and add extra moisture (like vegetable broth or more milk) to maintain the texture and flavor.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, sautéed onions, bell peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it to a loaf pan. Using a loaf pan ensures the meatloaf holds its shape and cooks evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl.
- After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the topping evenly over the surface. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Once the meatloaf has finished cooking, let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the temperature to rise by 8-10°F and ensures the juices are retained. Check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F before slicing.
