Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic American comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, crushed crackers, shredded cheese, beaten eggs, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blending all ingredients until well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf, ensuring an even shape without compressing too tightly.
- Transfer the meatloaf to the prepared pan, creating a uniform surface.
- Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl to create a tangy glaze.
- Carefully spread the glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, covering the entire surface with a smooth layer.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into generous portions and serve warm, enjoying the rich, savory flavors of this classic comfort dish.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier, lower-fat version that keeps the classic comfort food feel.
- Crush crackers extra fine to create a smoother, more uniform texture that helps bind ingredients perfectly without chunky pieces.
- Add finely diced carrots or zucchini to boost vegetable content and sneak extra nutrients into this family-friendly dish without changing the overall flavor profile.
- Let meatloaf rest longer than 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice stays moist and prevents crumbling when cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg