Cracker Barrel Meatloaf 

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is incredibly easy, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, delicious meal ready to serve.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Once the ingredients are mixed, transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down slightly to form a nice, even loaf. You want it to have a smooth surface so that the glaze will adhere evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. This sweet and tangy glaze is the key to getting that perfect topping on your meatloaf. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Glaze the Meatloaf

Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure to coat the entire surface, as this will give the meatloaf that signature flavor Cracker Barrel is known for.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. During this time, the glaze will caramelize and the meatloaf will cook through. If you want to make sure it’s done, insert a meat thermometer into the center—it should read 160°F (71°C) when the meatloaf is fully cooked.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once your meatloaf is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and moist.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf into generous portions and serve it with your favorite sides. It’s amazing with mashed potatoes, green beans, or even cornbread for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

Tips for Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For the best texture, opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. It provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist but isn’t greasy. You can also substitute half of the beef with ground turkey or pork if you want a leaner option.
• Add Extra Flavor: If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers, garlic, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. For a more savory kick, you can also try using parmesan cheese or adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley.
• Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: If you have stale bread on hand, pulse it in a food processor to make your own fresh breadcrumbs. Fresh breadcrumbs will give your meatloaf an even better texture and flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day. Just be sure to refrigerate it covered until you’re ready to bake.
• Store and Reheat: Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion: Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a Must-Try Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf, you know it’s a dish that brings joy with every bite. With this easy recipe, you can recreate that same mouthwatering experience at home—no need to leave the house or wait in line. This meatloaf is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and comforting, making it a dish your family will love.

Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special dinner for loved ones, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that brings people together around the dinner table. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to serve up a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite! 🍽️😋