Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – A Comforting Classic Just Like the Restaurant’s!
If you’ve ever enjoyed a hearty, home-cooked meal at Cracker Barrel, you’ve probably tried their famous meatloaf. This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings all the comfort and flavor of the restaurant’s classic dish right to your kitchen. It’s made with tender ground beef, mixed with savory seasonings, and topped with a tangy tomato glaze. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or lightly oil it.
- Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf, pressing it down gently.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze. Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.
- Glaze the Meatloaf:
- Pour half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Reserve the other half for later.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C). Baste with the remaining glaze halfway through baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1/8 of the recipe):
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Cracker Barrel Meatloaf | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
FAQs
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the glaze and cook as directed.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the texture and flavor may be a bit lighter. Consider adding some extra seasoning for flavor.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings all the comfort and flavor of the classic dish with a slightly tangy, sweet glaze. It’s the perfect meal to serve for your family and will be just as loved as the restaurant version! Enjoy!
