There’s something about the smell of cracker barrel meatloaf wafting through the house that instantly transports you to a cozy Southern kitchen. The rich aroma of ground beef mingling with savory herbs and the hint of sweet ketchup brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and love. It’s comfort food at its finest, a dish that warms your heart and soul.
Imagine biting into a perfectly moist slice, where each forkful is a delightful blend of flavors, juicy meat, and a glazed topping that gives it that charming rustic appeal. This is not just any meatloaf; it’s a nostalgic journey recalling Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house or casual weeknight meals that left everyone asking for seconds. Gather your loved ones around the table because this cracker barrel meatloaf recipe is about to become your new favorite family tradition.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The cracker barrel meatloaf is easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Its rich flavor profile will leave everyone at the table craving more
- The beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- Plus, leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or freezing for later!
I remember the first time I made this cracker barrel meatloaf for my family. My kids’ eyes lit up as they took their first bite, and I knew I had hit a home run.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf together.
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Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, keeping everything nice and cohesive.
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Ketchup: This adds sweetness and moisture; it’s perfect for glazing the top too!
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Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor; you can sauté them beforehand if you prefer sweetness.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that elevates the overall flavor profile.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.
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Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to skip if you’re not keen on herbs.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Sauté Onions (Optional): If you want extra sweetness, sauté your finely chopped onion in a bit of oil until translucent. This step enhances their flavor beautifully.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, sautéed onions (if used), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense meatloaf.
Shape Your Loaf: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is charming!
Add the Glaze: Spread additional ketchup over the top of your meatloaf before baking. This gives it that classic look and delicious glaze everyone loves.
Bake to Perfection: Bake your cracker barrel meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The top should be caramelized and slightly bubbly.
Every step brings you closer to creating an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every moment spent in your kitchen preparing this classic dish—it’s more than just cooking; it’s creating memories!
After pulling out that golden-brown beauty from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows those juices to redistribute so every bite is tender and flavorful!
Now you’ve got yourself an amazing cracker barrel meatloaf ready to serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget to pour some extra ketchup on top if you’re feeling saucy! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- The secret to a delicious cracker barrel meatloaf lies in the right balance of spices and moist ingredients
- It’s all about that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, making everyone wonder what’s cooking
- Perfectly tender, this dish is a comfort food classic that hits every nostalgic note
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and mix your ingredients well. Shape them into a loaf and bake for about an hour until it reaches 160°F for perfect tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or add grated cheese for creaminess. A splash of Worcestershire sauce brings out deeper flavors that will impress your dinner guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cracker barrel meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender
- Allow the meatloaf to rest post-baking for juicier slices
Sharing my first attempt at cracker barrel meatloaf was nerve-wracking; I still remember my friends’ surprised faces when they begged for seconds!
FAQ
How do I know when my cracker barrel meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F in the center.
Can I make cracker barrel meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day earlier and store it in the fridge.
What sides pair well with cracker barrel meatloaf?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans complement this dish beautifully.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe, a classic comfort food that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. With its perfect blend of ground beef, savory spices, and a sweet ketchup glaze, each slice is moist and flavorful. This easy-to-make dish is not only a delicious centerpiece for your dinner table but also a fantastic option for leftovers in sandwiches. Gather your loved ones around for a meal that brings everyone together—this meatloaf might just become your new family tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for glazing)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- If desired, sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent to enhance sweetness.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, sautéed onions (if used), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread additional ketchup over the top for glazing.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider using crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs or incorporating grated cheese. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor profile of your meatloaf.