Cozy Homestyle Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinner

Cooking up a classic cracker barrel meatloaf brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Memories of hearty family meals flood back with each slice of this nostalgic dish.

Tender meat blends with savory seasonings that create a meal everyone will love.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something truly special.

Warm spices and rich ground beef promise a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich flavors and straightforward preparation make this recipe a perfect weeknight solution.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a meatloaf that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Keeps People Coming Back

• Simplify Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Family Comfort Meal: Deliver a hearty, classic dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table, creating warm memories with each delicious slice.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix gently, and let the oven do the work while you enjoy minimal hands-on cooking time and maximum taste satisfaction.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and potluck events, satisfying diverse taste preferences with its rich, savory profile.

What Goes In Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A combination of meats that provides rich flavor and juicy texture to the meatloaf.

• Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and add moisture.
• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Create a tender and soft meatloaf texture by absorbing moisture and preventing dryness.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Diced Onions: Provide a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Combine to create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking and adds a delicious coating to the meatloaf.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a large baking dish. Give it a quick spray or light brush of oil to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meat Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Use your hands to break down the meat chunks, ensuring everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Add Binding Ingredients

Create a small pocket in the center of the meat mixture. Crack eggs directly into this space, giving them a quick whisk before folding them into the meat.

Step 4: Blend Flavor Enhancers

• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Diced onions

Mix everything carefully, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture tender.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mold it into a neat loaf shape, using gentle pressure to keep it compact and uniform.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Blend until you create a glossy, tangy topping.

Step 7: Cover with Glaze

Spread the prepared topping generously over the entire surface of the meatloaf. Ensure complete and even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F at the center.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and create a moist, delicious texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into thick, hearty portions. Serve hot and sprinkle with fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips That Help Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Turn Out Great

• Meat Mixing Magic: Use clean hands to blend ground beef and pork gently, preventing tough meatloaf by avoiding overmixing.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe, perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Moisture Maintenance: Let meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and tender.
• Topping Technique: Spread glaze evenly across the entire surface for a balanced, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Different Twists On Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Meatloaf Alternative: Substitute ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, creating a protein-packed plant-based version that mimics traditional texture.
• Low-Carb Keto Meatloaf: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and replace ketchup topping with a sugar-free tomato sauce to maintain keto-friendly macronutrients.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano into the meat mixture, topping with a tangy tzatziki-style sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Perfect Sides For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Elevate Classic Comfort Meatloaf Pairings
• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, savory meat flavors and cuts through the tangy glaze.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort duo with silky, buttery mashed potatoes that absorb the meatloaf's delicious juices and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Match with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare caramelized roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to add vibrant color, nutritional balance, and a slight charred sweetness that enhances the meatloaf's overall taste profile.

How To Keep Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Fresh

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through to 165°F, preventing dryness.
• Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and restore the original juicy texture.

FAQ Guide For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the ingredients, use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and let the meatloaf rest after cooking to retain moisture. Adding milk and eggs also helps keep it tender.

• Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce?

While not mandatory, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the meatloaf. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with soy sauce or skip it entirely.

Family-Style Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending ground beef, breadcrumbs, and classic seasonings into a nostalgic dinner classic. Warm family gatherings and memories simmer within each savory slice, inviting you to savor traditional homestyle cooking.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground pork

Binders and Seasonings:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup diced onions

Topping:

• 0.5 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 the surface to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, breaking up the meat with your hands to ensure even distribution.
3. Create a well in the center of the meat mixture and crack the eggs directly into the space, whisking them slightly before incorporating into the meat.
4. Gradually fold in breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and diced onions, gently mixing until all ingredients are evenly combined without overmixing.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle pressure to maintain a compact structure.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a glossy, tangy topping.
7. Generously spread the prepared topping over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. 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.
9. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist texture.
10. Slice into thick portions and serve hot, garnishing with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent a tough, dense texture that can make the meatloaf chewy and less enjoyable.
• Experiment with ground meat ratios by substituting turkey or veal for a leaner or more flavorful variation that suits different dietary preferences.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more tender meatloaf that absorbs moisture more effectively and enhances overall texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing traditional breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour, making the dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 634 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg