Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic comfort straight from American kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 3 large eggs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1.5 cups (180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk
Topping:
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine ground beef with finely diced onions, bell peppers, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently form the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, carefully transferring it to a lightly greased baking vessel.
- Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously drizzle and spread the prepared glaze across the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Position the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350F (175C), allowing it to roast for approximately 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (70C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist, tender texture.
- Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve immediately, garnishing with additional glaze if desired.
Notes
- Crush crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding of meatloaf ingredients.
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease while maintaining moisture.
- Substitute gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
- Optional vegetable additions like grated carrots or zucchini can boost nutrition and keep meatloaf tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 551 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg