Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers pure comfort with classic American flavors that comfort hungry families. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich glaze make this homestyle dish irresistible for weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (0.9 kg) ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
Seasoning and Glaze:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, diced onion, minced bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly until uniform.
- Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even distribution of spices throughout the blend.
- Mold the seasoned meat mixture into a classic loaf shape, either directly on a baking sheet or within a prepared loaf pan.
- Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the raw meatloaf, creating an initial layer of flavor and moisture.
- Place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the initial cooking phase to develop foundational flavors.
- Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, coating the surface evenly for enhanced caramelization.
- Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, compact texture.
- Slice and serve the meatloaf, presenting a classic comfort dish with rich, layered flavors.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier meatloaf that doesn’t feel greasy.
- Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, providing consistent texture and binding.
- Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to make the recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive diners.
- For a gluten-free version, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the classic meatloaf structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg