Name: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor); 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve); 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: the ultimate comfort food that tastes just like home, even if you're miles away from Grandma's kitchen! Have you ever craved that classic, savory meatloaf that evokes memories of cozy family dinners and simpler times? This recipe delivers that nostalgic experience, bringing the beloved flavors of Cracker Barrel right to your own table.

Meatloaf, in its essence, is a dish rooted in resourcefulness and tradition. Its origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where cooks sought to make the most of every scrap of meat. Over time, it evolved into a staple in American households, particularly during the Great Depression when affordability and hearty meals were paramount. Cracker Barrel, with its commitment to homestyle cooking, has perfected its own version, making it a menu favorite for generations.

What makes Cracker Barrel Meatloaf so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of savory ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a touch of sweetness from the glaze. The moist, tender texture and the satisfyingly rich taste create a symphony of flavors that's simply unforgettable. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make! With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish any night of the week. Get ready to experience a taste of classic Americana with this delightful recipe!

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1 pound ground pork
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1 cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This step is crucial because it mellows out the strong flavors of the raw vegetables and prevents them from overpowering the meatloaf.
Combine the Meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Gently break up the meat with your hands, being careful not to overwork it. Overworking the meat can result in a tough meatloaf.
Add the Sautéed Vegetables: Add the cooled sautéed vegetables to the mixing bowl with the meat. Make sure the vegetables are not too hot, as this could partially cook the meat and affect the final texture.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the crushed Ritz crackers, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper to the bowl. The Ritz crackers act as a binder and add a subtle buttery flavor that complements the meat.
Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
Gently Mix Everything Together: Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. You want everything to be evenly distributed, but the mixture should still be somewhat loose.

Preparing the Topping:

Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This topping provides a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Assembling and Baking the Meatloaf:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. The parchment paper method is especially helpful for preventing the meatloaf from sticking to the pan.
Shape the Meatloaf: Gently transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into an even loaf, pressing down lightly to ensure it fills the pan completely.
Apply the Topping: Spread the prepared topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor and caramelization.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf to check for doneness.
Rest the Meatloaf: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions:

Slicing and Serving: After resting, carefully remove the meatloaf from the loaf pan (if you used parchment paper, simply lift it out using the overhang). Slice the meatloaf into even slices, about 1 inch thick.
Side Dish Pairings: Serve the meatloaf with your favorite side dishes. Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese are all classic pairings. A simple side salad also complements the richness of the meatloaf.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Meatloaf Sandwiches: Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches! Spread some mayonnaise or mustard on your favorite bread, add a slice of meatloaf, and top with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Freezing Instructions: You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for longer storage. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatloaf:

Don't Overmix: I can't stress this enough! Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will result in a tough and dense meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring your meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. If you prefer a sweeter meatloaf, add a little more brown sugar to the topping.
Add Breadcrumbs: If you don't have Ritz crackers on hand, you can substitute them with breadcrumbs. Use about 1 cup of breadcrumbs in place of the crushed Ritz crackers.
Use Different Ground Meats: While I recommend using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be aware that using leaner meats may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so you may need to add a little more milk to the mixture.
Add Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! You can add shredded carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
Make Mini Meatloaves: For individual servings, you can bake the meatloaf mixture in muffin tins. Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
Use a Water Bath: For an extra moist meatloaf, place the loaf pan inside a larger baking dish and add hot water to the larger dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. This creates a water bath that helps to keep the meatloaf moist during baking.
Experiment with the Topping: The topping is where you can really get creative! Try adding a little barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of honey to the topping for a unique flavor.
Let it Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf. Don't skip this step!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal; it's a comforting hug on a plate, a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and that tangy tomato glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it's also surprisingly easy to make. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Looking for serving suggestions? This meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a truly authentic Cracker Barrel experience, serve it with their signature mac and cheese and a side of cornbread. Don't forget a generous dollop of ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce! Want to get creative? Here are a few variations you might enjoy: * Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little kick. * Cheese lover's delight: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella into the meatloaf before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise. * Vegetable boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. * Gluten-free option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. * Mini meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into individual muffin tins for perfectly portioned mini meatloaves. These are great for meal prepping or serving to kids. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is sure to be a hit. It's the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories. It's also fantastic for leftovers! Slice it up for sandwiches, crumble it into pasta sauce, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I've poured my heart into perfecting it, and I truly believe you'll love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Once you've made it, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. Your insights are invaluable and help me continue to improve and create even more amazing recipes. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your stories! Happy cooking!