Homestyle Magic: The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Cracker Barrel meatloaf has been my go-to comfort dish since childhood.

Memories of tender, flavorful slices fill my mind with warmth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasoned ground beef creates a rich base that satisfies deep hunger.

Home cooking doesn’t get more authentic than this delicious meal that brings people together.

Simple techniques and pantry staples make preparation a breeze for anyone.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when only pure, nostalgic comfort will do.

Meatloaf Know-How: Pro Tips for Cozy Results

• Add minced garlic or finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the meatloaf's taste profile and create more depth.
• Mix in a splash of milk or beef broth to keep the meatloaf moist and tender, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a lighter version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Adjust the brown sugar quantity in the glaze to match your preference, or substitute with honey for a more complex sweetness.
• Prepare the meatloaf in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Meatloaf Leftovers: Best Storage & Reheat Methods

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep moisture.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.

Satisfying Pairings for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its hearty texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food combo by pairing the meatloaf with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious glaze and provide a perfect textural contrast.
• Brighten with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a crisp, refreshing side of coleslaw to balance the meatloaf's richness, offering a zesty crunch that cleanses the palate and adds a light, fresh element to the meal.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that complements the savory meat and sweet glaze, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

New Ways to Customize Your Meatloaf Recipe

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour, ensuring a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the meatloaf rich and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, adding extra mushrooms for umami depth and maintaining the hearty protein profile.
• Turkey Lean Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein choice, maintaining similar seasonings and cooking method to preserve the traditional meatloaf experience.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. The recipe will work well, but the flavor might be slightly different.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook it, and let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain moisture.

• What can I use if I don't have breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers, oats, or even panko breadcrumbs can work as a substitute. They help bind the meatloaf and add texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet glaze and mild seasonings make this meatloaf appealing to children. It’s a classic comfort food that most kids enjoy.

Why Meatloaf Fans Adore Cracker Barrel’s Classic

• Perfect for family dinners, this classic recipe appeals to all ages, creating a nostalgic and satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Flexible ingredients allow home chefs to adapt the recipe by adding personal touches like extra herbs, different meats, or swapping breadcrumbs to match dietary preferences.
• Designed for both novice and experienced cooks, the straightforward instructions ensure a delicious result every time, making it a stress-free cooking experience.

Everything for the Ultimate Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful foundation that provides the main body of the meatloaf.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help hold the meatloaf together and maintain its moisture.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Provide tangy and umami notes that boost the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and sticky topping that caramelizes during baking, adding a delicious finish to the meatloaf.

How to Make Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a baking dish or loaf pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and see-through, stirring occasionally.

This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Sautéed onions
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands or a fork to blend everything together, being careful not to overmix.

The goal is to just combine the ingredients so the meatloaf stays tender.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking pan.

Gently shape it into a classic loaf form, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the pan.

Step 5: Create the Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

Spread this sweet and zesty glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious caramelized coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C).

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings hearty comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending rich ground beef with savory seasonings. Families will savor each tender slice packed with classic flavors that remind you of home-cooked Sunday dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) brown sugar (for glaze)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and coat a baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Caramelize finely diced onions in a skillet over medium flame until they transform into a soft, translucent golden hue, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Gently blend ground beef with the sautéed onions, incorporating breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, tangy ketchup, robust Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
4. Craft the meat mixture into a cohesive, rustic loaf shape and transfer carefully into the prepared baking pan.
5. Whisk together a vibrant glaze by combining ketchup with rich brown sugar, then lavishly brush the entire surface of the uncooked meatloaf.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for roughly one hour, ensuring the internal temperature climbs to 160F, which guarantees thorough cooking and optimal food safety.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest and settle for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture when sliced.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the classic meatloaf texture.
• For added moisture and richness, mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini, which blend seamlessly into the meat mixture and boost nutritional value.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or parsley to elevate the traditional recipe and create a more complex, gourmet taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg