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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a harmonious meat blend that ensures rich flavor and optimal texture.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs and milk into the meat mixture, gently mixing to help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture throughout the loaf.
- 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.
- Pour Worcestershire sauce over the mixture, folding it in gently to enhance the depth of flavor without overmixing the meat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle, even pressure to ensure consistent cooking.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a tangy, caramelizing glaze.
- Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering the surface completely to develop a delicious, slightly crispy exterior.
- 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.
- 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