The Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Nestled in the heart of southern comfort, cracker barrel meatloaf carries a nostalgic charm that warms every kitchen.

Memories of hearty family dinners dance through each savory slice.

Generations have cherished this classic dish with its rich, meaty essence.

Robust ground beef mingles with simple ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors that feel like home.

Soft breadcrumbs and gentle seasonings whisper tales of traditional cooking passed down through loving hands.

Simple yet profound, this recipe connects you to a delicious culinary heritage.

Grab a fork and let the magic of home-style cooking transport you to a world of pure comfort.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feels Like Home

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks seeking a straightforward, delicious meal that requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that brings families together with its classic flavors and nostalgic appeal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time to create a substantial meal that can be ready with minimal fuss.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adapts easily to different side dishes and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy households and meal planning.

Things You’ll Need For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that provides the primary structure and rich taste of the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a robust, savory base that adds depth and complexity to the meatloaf's flavor profile.
• Eggs, Milk, Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat mixture together and keep the meatloaf moist and tender during cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, adding a delicious finishing touch.

Step-By-Step Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to ensure the meatloaf doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Meat Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Use your hands to blend the meats gently until they form a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables

Fold in finely chopped onion and minced garlic, distributing them evenly throughout the meat mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Binding Ingredients

Crack eggs into the meat mixture. Pour in milk and ketchup, mixing thoroughly to help all ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 5: Create Moisture and Texture

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the meat mixture. Carefully fold them in to help bind the ingredients and keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

Step 6: Season the Mixture

Add salt and black pepper to the mixture. Continue mixing until all components are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use gentle pressure to shape it into a compact, even loaf.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Blend until you create a glossy and tangy topping.

Step 9: Apply the Glaze

Spread the prepared topping generously over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve your delicious homestyle meatloaf.

Smart Cooking Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Optimize Meat Mixture: Use a light touch when mixing ground beef and pork to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Boost Moisture Retention: Add milk and eggs to create a juicy, soft meatloaf that stays moist and doesn't dry out during baking.
• Perfect Topping Technique: Brush the glaze evenly and generously to create a caramelized, flavorful exterior that adds depth to the dish.
• Control Internal Temperature: Check the meatloaf with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a subtle, aromatic dimension to the classic meatloaf recipe.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace ground pork with lamb and add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meatloaf: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Mix in diced green chiles, ground cumin, and chili powder, then top with salsa and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern version.
• Turkey Lean Meatloaf: Swap ground beef and pork with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative, adding extra moisture with grated zucchini or applesauce to prevent dryness.

What To Eat With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the rich meatloaf's fatty texture, complementing its hearty meat flavors with deep fruit undertones.
• Create Creamy Side Harmony: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes balance the meatloaf's dense protein, providing smooth contrast and absorbing delicious meat juices.
• Brighten with Fresh Veggie Contrast: Crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the meatloaf's richness, adding refreshing lightness and palate-cleansing acidity.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Companion: Amber ale's malty sweetness mirrors the meatloaf's caramelized ketchup glaze, while its moderate carbonation cleanses the palate between bites.

Best Way To Keep Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Fresh

• Store meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes until warm throughout.
• Warm slices in 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Questions Answered

• What makes this meatloaf different from others?

This meatloaf combines ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more complex flavor profile, creating a more tender and juicy texture compared to traditional single-meat meatloaves.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can replace ground pork with turkey or additional ground beef. For breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers or rolled oats as alternative binding agents.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

Nostalgic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 80-90 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort meets hearty home cooking with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, a classic recipe that blends ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze. Rich flavors and nostalgic charm invite you to savor each comforting bite of this timeless American dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground pork

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup ketchup

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Topping:

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a uniform meat mixture by gently blending with your hands.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the meat, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Crack eggs into the meat mixture, then pour in milk and ketchup, mixing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well integrated.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the meat mixture, carefully folding them in to help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture.
6. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, continuing to mix until all components are evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a compact loaf with gentle, even pressure.
8. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a glossy, tangy topping.
9. Generously spread the prepared topping over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
11. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Lean ground beef can make the meatloaf dry, so use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture and flavor.
• Sauté onions before adding to the mixture to reduce raw onion flavor and enhance overall taste profile.
• Gluten-free adaptation is simple: replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg