My love for meatloaf has deep roots from my childhood, and the cravings for this comforting dish strike me quite often. In full transparency, I couldn’t resist making it for dinner last night, pairing it with cheesy grits and sautéed green beans for a wholesome meal.
The appeal of this recipe lies in its comforting and delicious nature, making it a hit with the whole family. The ease of preparation and the superb leftovers are an added bonus that keeps me coming back for more. However, what sets this meatloaf apart from most is its uniqueness, reminiscent of the one I first had at Cracker Barrel. That moment of amazement and sheer happiness upon tasting it for the first time is still fresh in my memory.
I’m already planning for the next time I make this meatloaf, and my heart is set on recreating the full Cracker Barrel experience by serving it with fried apples and hash brown casserole. The combination will undoubtedly make it feel like we’re dining at Cracker Barrel itself, with all its magic and nostalgia.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Cracker Barrel, I highly recommend stopping by if you ever come across one, especially when venturing into the South. The experience is something to cherish, just like this Meatloaf recipe, which I hope you enjoy as much as I do. So, dive into the deliciousness of this comforting classic, and savor the warmth and fond memories it brings to your table.
Ingredients
The Meatloaf
2 lbs. lean ground beef (80/20 is the best for juicy meatloaf)
1 small onion – finely diced
½ cup bell pepper – finely diced (optional)
1½ sleeves of Ritz crackers (48 crackers total) – finely crushed
4 oz. shredded cheese – sharp cheddar or Colby cheese
3 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
The Glaze
½ to ¾ cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. mustard
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
Make the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, milk, onion, bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add in the ground beef. Mix well just to combine. Do not over mix.
Form into a loaf and place inside a baking pan or baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and spread the glaze over the meatloaf.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until the temperature in the center is 160° F.
Remove from oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes
• Pan: I use a baking sheet because if you use a loaf pan, the steam cannot escape, and the meatloaf turns brick-like. Using a baking sheet – or a baking dish with room around the meatloaf – will give you the best meatloaf.
• Freezing: Meatloaf freezes well and if you double the recipe and freeze the second one, you will have quick meals for those nights you just do not want to cook or when you want a meatloaf sandwich for lunch! Let the meatloaf cool and leave whole or cut the loaf into slices, place in an airtight container or wrap in foil and place in a Ziploc freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer up to 3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: When you are ready to have the meatloaf – Preheat oven to 350° F, take meatloaf out of the freezer, remove from Ziploc bag and foil, and place in a baking dish and loosely cover with foil. Place it in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and heated through. You don’t want to overheat it or the meatloaf will be dry. To avoid this, you can add ¼ cup of beef broth in the bottom of the baking dish before putting in the oven.
• Microwaving after Freezing: Let the meatloaf thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slices in the microwave at 50% power until heated through. I microwave for 1 minute at first and then in 30 second intervals until heated through.
• Glaze: I double or triple this recipe and store in the fridge. It is nice to have the glaze already prepared! Alternatively, you can use Chili Sauce which is what my mother always used and what I have used my entire adult life – Except when I make this recipe!
Conclusion:
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a nostalgic and delightful recipe that holds a special place in my heart. The love for this comforting dish stems from my childhood and the memories of its unique taste and wholesome goodness. Last night’s dinner, featuring this meatloaf alongside cheese grits and sautéed green beans, was a testament to its enduring appeal and the fact that it continues to be a favorite with my family.
This recipe’s magic lies in its comforting and delicious flavors, making it an absolute hit with everyone at the table. The ease of preparation and the superb leftovers are added bonuses that make it an ideal choice for satisfying cravings and providing a hearty meal for the whole family.
Having experienced the original Cracker Barrel version, I’m already looking forward to the next time I make this meatloaf, accompanied by fried apples and hash brown casserole, to recreate the full Cracker Barrel experience. It’s a way to cherish the memories of dining at Cracker Barrel while enjoying the comfort of a homemade meal.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Cracker Barrel, I highly recommend trying this meatloaf recipe to experience a taste of its unique and nostalgic flavors. Whether you’ve been to Cracker Barrel or not, this meatloaf will undoubtedly bring a sense of warmth and familiarity to your dining table.
So, savor the deliciousness of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, and let it transport you back to cherished moments from the past while creating new fond memories with your loved ones. This classic dish is a testament to the enduring joy of comfort food that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of home wherever it’s served.