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