Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf is a staple of comfort food, packed with flavor and satisfying in every bite. If you’ve ever craved the rich, home-style taste of their meatloaf, you’ll be pleased to know you can recreate it right in your kitchen. From the perfectly seasoned blend of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, to the irresistible topping that caramelizes to perfection, this is a Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
To start, here are the key ingredients that make this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe stand out:
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef (alternative options include a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (used instead of breadcrumbs)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
For the Meatloaf Topping:
- ½–¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf at home:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature control is essential for cooking the meatloaf evenly.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a small pan, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. This step softens the vegetables, ensuring a smooth texture within the meatloaf. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, sautéed onions and bell peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the Ground Beef: Once the base mixture is ready, add the ground beef to the bowl. Gently mix the beef with the other ingredients until just combined. Do not overwork the meat—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan. A loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape while cooking and allows it to cook evenly. If you don’t use a loaf pan, the loaf might spread out, and the cooking time may increase, potentially drying out the meat.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll prepare the topping that will give the Cracker Barrel meatloaf its signature flavor.
- Prepare the Topping: While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy topping creates a rich glaze on top of the meatloaf.
- Add the Topping: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface of the loaf. This will create a beautifully caramelized finish.
- Bake for an Additional 30–40 Minutes: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 155°F. The topping will have a glossy, caramelized appearance by this point.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the loaf pan for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dryness and ensuring a moist and tender result. The internal temperature should rise to 160°F during this resting period.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Use a Loaf Pan: A loaf pan helps maintain the meatloaf’s shape and prevents it from drying out. It also helps with even cooking, allowing the heat to circulate around the meat evenly.
- Use Ritz Crackers for Texture: Ritz crackers are a perfect alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, adding a buttery richness that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the meatloaf.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in a tougher meatloaf, whereas a gentler mix will keep it tender.
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pull the meatloaf out when it reaches 155°F, and let it rest to reach the desired 160°F.
- Freezing and Reheating Meatloaf: This recipe is excellent for making ahead and freezing. You can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. If freezing it uncooked, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions. If freezing after baking, thaw, then reheat by wrapping in foil and warming in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.
Best Side Dishes for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
No Cracker Barrel meal is complete without some hearty side dishes. Here are some perfect sides to pair with your meatloaf:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Soft, buttery mashed potatoes are the ideal complement to this rich dish.
- Roasted Green Beans: Add some vibrant color and a nutritious element with crisp, oven-roasted green beans.
- Twice-Baked Potatoes: Creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, these potatoes elevate any meal.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, warm biscuits slathered in butter bring a taste of Southern hospitality to the table.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
For those interested in the nutritional breakdown, here’s what you can expect per serving of Cracker Barrel meatloaf:
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 31g
- Sodium: 628mg
- Sugar: 9g
- Cholesterol: 117mg
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf at home is simpler than you might think, and it brings the flavors of a classic American dish right to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the option to freeze and reheat, you’ll never be far from a comforting, hearty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
2. Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables first? Sautéing the onions and bell peppers helps soften them and releases their flavors, ensuring they blend well into the meatloaf.
3. Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
4. How long can I store leftover meatloaf? Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I use turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, but be aware that it may result in a slightly drier texture due to the leaner meat.
