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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, breaking up the meat with your hands to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Gradually fold in breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and diced onions, gently mixing until all ingredients are evenly combined without overmixing.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle pressure to maintain a compact structure.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a glossy, tangy topping.
- Generously spread the prepared topping over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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 before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist texture.
- 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