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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F and coat a baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize finely diced onions in a skillet over medium flame until they transform into a soft, translucent golden hue, approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Craft the meat mixture into a cohesive, rustic loaf shape and transfer carefully into the prepared baking pan.
- Whisk together a vibrant glaze by combining ketchup with rich brown sugar, then lavishly brush the entire surface of the uncooked meatloaf.
- Roast in the preheated oven for roughly one hour, ensuring the internal temperature climbs to 160F, which guarantees thorough cooking and optimal food safety.
- 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