Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a comfort food classic, known for its tender texture and deliciously savory flavor. It’s made with a blend of beef and pork, topped with a flavorful tomato-based glaze, and baked to perfection. This recipe replicates the hearty, homestyle meatloaf that Cracker Barrel is famous for.
Here’s how you can make it at home!
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for best texture)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or substitute with additional beef if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
For the Meatloaf Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
- Add the finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme (if using).
- Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon, but don’t overwork the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or shape it by hand into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer, you can also bake the meatloaf in a muffin tin for individual servings (bake for about 20-25 minutes if using a muffin tin).
4. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined.
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
- Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving a little for later use.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is nicely browned and caramelized.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can brush on any remaining glaze to add an extra layer of flavor.
6. Let it Rest:
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for cleaner slices.
7. Serve:
- Slice and serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or any side of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf:
- Meat Blend: The combination of beef and pork gives the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner version, you can use only ground beef, but the texture might be a bit drier.
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs (made from crustless bread) give the meatloaf a fluffier, softer texture compared to dry breadcrumbs. If you only have dry breadcrumbs, you might need to add a little more milk to balance out the texture.
- Resting Time: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps it hold its shape and keeps the slices from falling apart.
- Glaze Variations: You can experiment with the glaze by adding a bit of smoked paprika, hot sauce, or brown mustard for a kick of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Meatloaf:
This meatloaf is incredibly flavorful, tender, and juicy, with the perfect balance of seasonings. The glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish, giving it that signature Cracker Barrel taste. It’s easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or a comforting dish any time you need some homestyle goodness.
Let me know how it turns out if you try this recipe!