Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf delights home cooks with classic comfort flavors. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and rich glaze create a satisfying meal that families will cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced green bell pepper
Seasonings and Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Gently transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan, carefully molding it into a uniform loaf shape without compressing the meat too densely.
- Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously brush the prepared glaze across the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring even coverage.
- Position the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350F (175C), allowing it to bake for approximately 60 minutes.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and permit the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve while warm, enjoying the rich, savory flavors of this classic comfort dish.
Notes
- Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding in the meatloaf mixture.
- Drain excess moisture from onions and bell peppers to prevent a soggy texture in the final dish.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg