Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings the comforting flavors of classic Southern homestyle cooking right to your kitchen. Simple yet rich in taste, it uses common pantry ingredients to create a moist, tender, and flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for family dinners and versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for moisture)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped green pepper
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Prepare the Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, green pepper, bread crumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a traditional loaf about 9 by 5 inches to ensure even cooking and a perfect crust.
- Glaze the Top: Spread an extra layer of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
- Bake Until Perfect: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Notes
- Don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked but remains juicy.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain moisture and avoid crumbling.
- Customize the glaze by mixing ketchup with a little brown sugar for a sweeter topping.
- Choose a loaf pan for a uniform shape or a baking sheet for crispy edges and a rustic look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6th of loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel meatloaf, southern meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe, family dinner, gluten free meatloaf