Homestyle Magic: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Cracker barrel meatloaf carries nostalgic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dining table.

Memories of hearty family dinners flood back with each savory slice.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef blends with simple ingredients that promise rich, satisfying flavor.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this classic dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Familiar spices and straightforward techniques make this recipe approachable for beginners and experienced chefs alike.

Juicy and tender, this meatloaf transforms an ordinary meal into a celebration of traditional American cooking.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating this mouthwatering main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fun Ways To Switch Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with grated cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining moisture and texture.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Swap ground beef and pork with ground lamb, adding oregano, mint, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring compatibility for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Loaf: Substitute meat with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein, creating a hearty meatless version with similar texture and seasonings.

What Goes Well With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel perfectly complement the rich, savory meat flavors, cutting through the meatloaf's dense texture with their tannic structure.
• Create Creamy Potato Side: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes provide a smooth, velvety accompaniment that absorbs the meatloaf's delicious glaze while offering a comforting contrast.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Fresh arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette brings bright acidity and lightness, balancing the hearty meatloaf and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots mirror the meatloaf's sweet-savory glaze, creating a harmonious plate with complementary roasted notes.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Safely

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months, maintaining texture and taste.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 250°F, place meatloaf in baking dish with splash of broth.

Questions About Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Can I use only ground beef instead of a meat blend?

Yes, you can use 100% ground beef, but the pork adds extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.

• How do breadcrumbs help in the recipe?

Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meat mixture together and prevent it from becoming too dense or dry.

• Why add milk to the meat mixture?

Milk helps keep the meatloaf tender and moist by preventing the proteins from becoming too compact during cooking.

• Is Worcestershire sauce necessary for the recipe?

While not absolutely essential, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Is A Comfort Classic

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a classic meatloaf that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
• Master Easy Cooking: Blend ingredients with simple mixing techniques that make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize Your Meal: Enjoy versatile ingredient combinations that allow personal tweaks like swapping meat types or adjusting seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Create a satisfying main dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal solution for feeding multiple generations at the dinner table.

What’s Inside Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides a rich, hearty foundation for the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and enhances the overall flavor complexity of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Work together to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent it from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the meatloaf.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and a subtle, savory undertone to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami-rich dimension to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

• Baking Dish: Necessary for shaping and cooking the meatloaf.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a large baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or light rub of oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix The Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Ground pork

Use your hands to blend these meats until they’re perfectly combined, creating a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 3: Add Moisture Makers

• Breadcrumbs
• Milk

Gently fold these ingredients into the meat mixture, ensuring everything stays super juicy and holds together like a dream.

Step 4: Season The Symphony

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Mix everything thoroughly so each bite will be bursting with incredible flavor.

Step 5: Boost The Umami

Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the mixture and fold gently, letting that deep, rich taste permeate the entire blend.

Step 6: Shape Your Masterpiece

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Craft a smooth, even loaf using gentle pressure to guarantee consistent cooking.

Step 7: Create The Killer Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Blend until you’ve got a tangy, sweet coating that’ll make your meatloaf irresistible.

Step 8: Glaze It Up

Spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about an hour. Listen for the sizzle and look for that gorgeous golden-brown top. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s reached 160°F.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Pull the meatloaf out and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This magical waiting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is mouthwateringly tender.

Tips To Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Maximize Meat Texture: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a more complex, juicy flavor profile that elevates the traditional meatloaf.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Add milk-soaked breadcrumbs to maintain moisture and create a tender, soft interior that doesn't crumble when sliced.
• Perfect Glaze Technique: Brush the glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning while achieving a beautiful caramelized top.
• Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing much easier.

Down-Home Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings comfort and classic American flavor to dinner tables across the country. Savory beef, sweet ketchup glaze, and perfectly seasoned meat create a homestyle meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Binders

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Topping

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a harmonious meat blend that ensures rich flavor and optimal texture.
3. Incorporate breadcrumbs and milk into the meat mixture, gently mixing to help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture throughout the loaf.
4. Crack the eggs directly into the meat mixture, then add salt, black pepper, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Pour Worcestershire sauce over the mixture, folding it in gently to enhance the depth of flavor without overmixing the meat.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle, even pressure to ensure consistent cooking.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a tangy, caramelizing glaze.
8. Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering the surface completely to develop a delicious, slightly crispy exterior.
9. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
10. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• Swap ground pork with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that cuts down on fat while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf incredibly moist without changing the core taste profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to transform this classic recipe into a celiac-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy without compromising texture.
• Enhance the umami depth by incorporating a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of tomato paste into the meat mixture for an extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg