The Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe You Can Make Tonight

Memories of comfort swirl around this classic cracker barrel meatloaf that connects generations through hearty home cooking.

Grandma’s kitchen secrets blend perfectly with simple ingredients waiting to become something magical.

Robust flavors promise a nostalgic journey through tender, juicy meat wrapped in savory goodness.

Southern charm meets culinary tradition in this straightforward recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust seasonings dance through each bite, creating moments of pure satisfaction.

Meat lovers will appreciate how carefully selected ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

You can recreate this beloved dish and bring comfort to your own table with just a few easy steps.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Is A Classic Favorite

• Craft Family Comfort: A hearty meatloaf that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its warm, satisfying flavors and nostalgic appeal.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Blend of ground beef and pork creates a rich, complex taste profile enhanced by the tangy-sweet glaze that elevates this classic dish.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Straightforward ingredients and easy mixing technique make this recipe perfect for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs.
• Quick and Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this meatloaf pairs wonderfully with various sides and can be easily reheated for leftovers.

What You’ll Need For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that provides a rich and hearty foundation for the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture, creating a more complex flavor profile.

• Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and contribute to a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Absorb moisture and provide structure to prevent the meatloaf from becoming dense or crumbly.
• Milk: Adds tenderness and helps create a softer, more delicate meatloaf texture.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Enhance the meat's richness and add a tangy, savory undertone to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Brown Sugar, Mustard, Garlic Powder: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking, adding a delicious exterior to the meatloaf.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven And Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meat With Care

In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef and ground pork together to create a perfect meat base. The combination will deliver amazing flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add Binding Ingredients

Crack eggs into the meat mixture and sprinkle breadcrumbs to help hold everything together and keep the meatloaf moist.

Step 4: Pour In Flavor Enhancers

Add milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. These ingredients will bring incredible depth and richness to your meatloaf.

Step 5: Season The Mixture

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the ingredients. Gently fold everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape The Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Carefully shape it into a uniform loaf, using gentle and even pressure.

Create A Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Garlic powder

This will create a mouthwatering glaze that adds excitement to your meatloaf.

Step 7: Coat The Meatloaf

Spread the glaze generously over the entire surface of the meatloaf, making sure it’s completely covered.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf and drizzle any remaining glaze on top. Get ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy!

Pro Tips For Juicy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Prep Ahead for Easy Cooking: Mix meat mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator, saving time during busy weeknights.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use a combination of ground beef and pork to maintain moisture and create a more tender texture.
• Master the Perfect Glaze: Whisk glaze ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and ensure a smooth, even coating on the meatloaf.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Boost Flavor Options: Experiment with added herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to elevate the meatloaf's overall taste profile.

Different Versions Of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf: Replace ground pork with chorizo, add diced green chilies, and swap ketchup glaze with a chipotle-honey sauce for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Meatloaf: Use ground lamb instead of beef, mix in feta cheese, chopped olives, and replace the glaze with a tangy tzatziki drizzle.
• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf: Substitute meat with cooked lentils, use flax eggs, add nutritional yeast, and create a glaze using vegetable broth and tomato paste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with grated cauliflower, use almond flour as a binder, and keep the original glaze for a keto-friendly version.

Great Pairings For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Meatloaf Pairings
• Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes perfectly complement the rich, savory meatloaf and soak up the tangy glaze.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel cuts through the meatloaf's richness and enhances its deep, meaty flavors.
• Create Green Bean Crunch: Fresh, crisp green beans with almonds provide a light, bright contrast to the hearty meatloaf, balancing the plate's texture and adding nutritional variety.
• Pour Craft Beer Pairing: A malty amber ale or hoppy IPA offers a refreshing counterpoint to the meatloaf's dense protein, cleansing the palate between bites.

Best Storage Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for 2-3 months.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, place meatloaf in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Made Easy

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can swap ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for variety and personal preference.

• How can I prevent my meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in milk and eggs, avoid overmixing, and use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook. The glaze also helps retain moisture.

• Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce?

While not mandatory, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with soy sauce or skip it.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic American cuisine in this hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that promises pure nostalgia on a plate. Home cooks will savor the rich, home-style blend of ground beef, seasonings, and a tangy glaze that brings generations together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a harmonious meat mixture that ensures balanced flavor and texture.
3. Crack eggs into the meat mixture, then incorporate breadcrumbs to provide structure and absorb moisture.
4. Pour milk into the bowl, followed by ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, which will enhance the meat’s richness and depth of flavor.
5. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture, gently folding and blending all ingredients until thoroughly combined without overmixing.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, carefully shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle, even pressure.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
8. Generously spread the glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender result.
11. Slice and serve the meatloaf, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter version that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Incorporate finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meat mixture to boost nutritional value and add subtle texture complexity.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Consider preparing the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerating overnight, which allows flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in an even more delectable final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg