A tender, flavorful meatloaf with a delicious blend of spices and a savory glaze – just like the classic Cracker Barrel dish.
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. I decided to recreate it because of its perfect balance of savory flavors and its deliciously tender texture. The glaze on top adds a touch of sweetness, while the meatloaf itself is packed with flavor from the combination of seasonings and vegetables.
My family loves it because it’s hearty, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal to serve for a family dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad. Plus, it’s easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy nights!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This saves time on busy days.
Q: Can I use lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer leaner meat, you can use lean ground beef or even turkey, but keep in mind that leaner meats can sometimes result in a slightly drier meatloaf. Adding a little extra moisture with a splash of broth can help.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: Can I use a different glaze for the meatloaf?
A: Yes! While the classic ketchup and brown sugar glaze is traditional, you can also use barbecue sauce, mustard, or a tangy tomato-based glaze to give it a different twist.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 3 months.
What You Need to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, bell pepper (if using), egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Form the meatloaf:
Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Press the meatloaf down slightly to ensure it cooks evenly.
4. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a deeper savory taste.
- For a crispy crust: If you prefer a crispier top, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make it a full meal: Pair the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a vegetable for a classic comfort food dinner.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “This meatloaf was so tender and full of flavor! The glaze was perfect – sweet and tangy. My family couldn’t get enough of it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel P. – “I’ve made a lot of meatloaf in my time, but this one is by far the best. The texture was perfect, and the glaze was the perfect finishing touch.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This meatloaf is so easy to make, and it tastes amazing! The ketchup and brown sugar glaze really brings it together. My family loved it.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma T. – “I love this recipe! The meatloaf was juicy and flavorful, and the glaze made it taste like something from a restaurant. Definitely making this again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena B. – “The best meatloaf I’ve ever made! So simple but packed with flavor. It’s going to be a regular in our meal rotation.”
Printable Recipe
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a hearty, comforting dish with a savory beef filling and a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for any family dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make!
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, bell pepper (if using), egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Form the meatloaf:
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Press the meatloaf down slightly to ensure it cooks evenly.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a classic comfort food with a rich flavor that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your meatloaf turns out!
