The Coziest Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Home Comfort

Tucking into a hearty cracker barrel meatloaf brings back memories of comfort and warmth from grandma’s kitchen.

Savory aromas fill the room with nostalgic promise of a satisfying meal.

Tender meat mingles with perfectly balanced seasonings that speak to classic American home cooking.

Robust flavors promise a delightful dining experience that connects you to traditional recipes.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly special on your dinner plate.

Families will gather around, eager to slice into this delectable main course.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this mouthwatering classic that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Flavorful Options For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Meatloaf: Swap ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option that maintains moisture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf: Mix in finely chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or minced bell peppers to boost nutritional value and add extra moisture to the meat mixture.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Substitute onion soup mix with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired version.

Perfect Sides With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Elevate Comfort Meatloaf Flavor Companions
• Pair Zesty Red Wine: A bold cabernet sauvignon complements the rich meaty flavors, cutting through the hearty protein with its robust tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Serve Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery potatoes create the perfect side, absorbing the meatloaf's savory juices and providing a classic comfort food experience.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette balance the meatloaf's richness, introducing a light, refreshing element to the plate and boosting nutritional value.
• Drizzle Extra Herb Sauce: A quick chimichurri or fresh herb sauce adds brightness, cutting through the meat's density and introducing vibrant, zesty undertones to each bite.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Correctly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQ Guide For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination creates a more complex, rich flavor profile and helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender, preventing it from becoming dry or dense.

• Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like monterey jack or mozzarella, but sharp cheddar provides the best tangy flavor and melting characteristics.

• What does Worcestershire sauce do in the recipe?

It adds depth, umami, and a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall savory taste of the meatloaf, complementing the meat and other seasonings.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through and prevents any foodborne illnesses.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feels Like Home

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Blend of ground beef and pork creates a rich, mouthwatering taste profile that elevates traditional meatloaf to a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra indulgence, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and perfect for cheese lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic family-style dish that brings everyone together, delivering nostalgia and satisfaction with its hearty, home-cooked appeal.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan recipe with straightforward ingredients and minimal kitchen tools, ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious and stress-free dinner solutions.

What You’ll Need For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and enhances the overall taste of the meat mixture.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender and prevents it from becoming dry.
• Breadcrumbs: Absorb moisture and help hold the meatloaf's structure.

• Onion Soup Mix, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and essential seasoning.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex umami taste to the meat mixture.
• Ketchup: Contributes sweetness and moisture to both the meatloaf and glaze.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces a creamy, sharp flavor and melty texture.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and glossy glaze that caramelizes during baking.

Steps To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf At Home

Step 1: Mix Meaty Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine ground beef and ground pork. Work the meats together with your hands until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 2: Bind and Moisten

Crack eggs into the meat mixture and pour in milk. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are completely integrated and smooth.

Step 3: Flavor Explosion

• Breadcrumbs
• Onion soup mix
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend carefully to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, making sure not to overmix and preserve the cheese’s delightful texture.

Step 5: Pan Preparation

Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every corner gets covered.

Step 6: Shape and Smooth

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to create an even, beautiful surface.

Step 7: Create Glaze Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar until the mixture becomes glossy and well combined.

Step 8: Glaze and Shine

Spread the sweet ketchup glaze generously over the entire meatloaf surface, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 10: Rest and Settle

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice incredibly moist.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top for extra flavor. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips For Tasty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Boost Meat Blend: Mix ground beef and pork thoroughly to enhance flavor complexity and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Add milk and eggs to maintain moisture, creating a tender and juicy meatloaf that doesn't crumble when sliced.
• Elevate Flavor Profile: Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and onion soup mix for depth, transforming a basic recipe into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Master Glazing Technique: Whisk ketchup and brown sugar into a glossy topping, spreading evenly to create a caramelized, sweet-tangy exterior that seals in moisture.
• Rest and Recover: Allow meatloaf to sit 10-15 minutes after baking, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring each slice remains succulent and perfectly formed.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings hearty Southern charm to dinner tables with its rich blend of ground beef, onions, and classic seasonings. Warm family memories and satisfying flavors invite you to savor each delicious bite of this homestyle favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground pork

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Topping:

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring even coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a uniform meat mixture.
3. Crack eggs into the meat blend, then pour in milk, whisking together until completely integrated.
4. Incorporate breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, blending carefully to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, gently mixing to maintain the cheese’s texture throughout the loaf.
6. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
7. Craft the topping by whisking ketchup and brown sugar together until well combined and glossy.
8. Generously spread the sweet ketchup glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and making slicing easier.
11. Slice into hearty portions and serve warm, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose a blend of ground beef and pork with 80/20 fat content for maximum moisture and rich flavor that prevents dry, tough meatloaf.
• Cheese Distribution Technique: Fold shredded cheddar gently to create pockets of melted cheese throughout the loaf, preventing clumping and ensuring even flavor.
• Glaze Perfection Tip: Brush the ketchup-brown sugar glaze multiple times during baking to create a caramelized, sticky-sweet exterior that adds depth to the meatloaf.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap ground meats with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg