Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers hearty comfort straight from Southern kitchens with rich ground beef and classic seasonings. Homemade goodness brings warmth to dinner tables, inviting you to savor each delicious, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onions
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced green bell peppers
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend ground beef with finely chopped onions, diced bell peppers, crushed crackers, whisked eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Transfer the raw meatloaf into a lightly greased baking pan, maintaining its structured form.
- Generously drizzle a vibrant layer of ketchup across the top surface, creating a tangy glaze that will caramelize during cooking.
- Position the loaf in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 60-70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), ensuring thorough cooking.
- Remove from oven and permit the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall texture and flavor.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve warm, presenting a classic comfort meal with rich, savory notes.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat and calories.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms to boost moisture and create a more complex flavor profile without changing the texture dramatically.
- Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for a deeper, richer taste that elevates the classic meatloaf recipe.
- Create individual mini meatloaves in a muffin tin to reduce cooking time and make portion control easier for meal prep and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg