Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic
If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, then Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Known for its delicious blend of flavors, juicy texture, and sweet-tangy topping, this meatloaf recipe brings the warmth and richness that makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a classic dish to serve for Sunday dinner, a weeknight meal, or a comforting dish to feed a crowd, this meatloaf recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll break down the key ingredients, show you step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouthwatering dish, and share tips on perfecting the meatloaf every time. Get ready to learn how to recreate Cracker Barrel’s iconic meatloaf at home!
🍴 What is Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a well-loved dish, famous for its tender, juicy texture and flavorful seasoning. This meatloaf is unique because it combines ground beef with ground pork, resulting in a meatloaf that’s extra tender and juicy. It also includes a blend of vegetables and seasonings that add depth to the flavor, along with a topping of tangy ketchup, sweet brown sugar, and mustard.
The addition of cheddar cheese gives the meatloaf a creamy richness that’s simply irresistible. Ritz crackers are used in the mixture, giving the meatloaf a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while helping to hold everything together perfectly. When baked, the result is a golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
🧑🍳 The Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf are simple, but they come together to create a dish full of flavor and comfort. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Meatloaf Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef: The main protein in the dish, giving the meatloaf a rich, hearty flavor.
1/2 lb ground pork: Adding ground pork to the beef makes the meatloaf extra juicy and tender.
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped: The onion adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped: The bell pepper gives a slight crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve): The crushed crackers help bind the ingredients together and give the meatloaf a soft, fluffy texture.
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the meatloaf.
2 large eggs: The eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatloaf mixture together.
1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture to the meatloaf, ensuring that it doesn’t dry out while baking.
1/4 cup ketchup: Adds tanginess and a slight sweetness to the mixture.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory depth of flavor and umami to the dish.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meatloaf.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and flavor to balance out the richness of the meat and cheese.
Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup ketchup: The primary component of the topping, adding a tangy sweetness.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the topping and creates a lovely caramelized finish as the meatloaf bakes.
1 tbsp yellow mustard: The mustard adds a tangy bite to the topping and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is easy and straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meatloaf ready to serve in under an hour and a half. Here’s how to make it:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to ensure that your meatloaf doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients: ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that could result in a tough meatloaf.
3. Shape the Meatloaf and Bake
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Smooth out the top so it cooks evenly. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the meatloaf will begin to firm up and cook through.
4. Prepare the Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by combining 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard in a small bowl. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add the Topping
After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. The sweet and tangy topping will create a beautiful glaze as it bakes.
6. Finish Baking
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures that the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
7. Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf tender and juicy. After resting, slice the meatloaf into 6 equal portions and serve warm.
🍲 Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Every Time
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The meatloaf is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Customize the Topping: While the sweet ketchup-mustard-brown sugar topping is traditional, feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors. Add a bit of hot sauce for some heat or experiment with different types of mustard for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: If you want to freeze the meatloaf, form it into a loaf shape, cover it with plastic wrap, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake it directly from frozen (you may need to add additional time to the cooking process).
Serve with Sides: Cracker Barrel meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad. Consider adding a serving of roasted vegetables or cornbread for a complete meal.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, flavorful, and filling. The combination of ground beef and ground pork makes the meatloaf moist, while the addition of cheddar cheese gives it an extra layer of richness. The Ritz crackers help bind the ingredients together and create a soft texture, while the topping adds a beautiful caramelized finish.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a casual gathering with friends, this meatloaf will quickly become a favorite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf at home is easier than you think. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor and packed with comfort. The combination of ground beef and pork, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers ensures a juicy, tender meatloaf, while the sweet and tangy topping gives it that iconic Cracker Barrel taste.
So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or preparing it for future meals, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf will never disappoint.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Enjoy this savory classic in the comfort of your own home! 🍽️