Description
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe delivers a classic, comforting meatloaf with a savory blend of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfectly baked for a juicy, flavorful main dish that slices easily and pairs well with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Prepare your baking equipment by lining a baking sheet with foil or lining a traditional loaf pan with parchment paper to allow easy lifting and grease drainage later.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and the onions are translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix evenly and thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Shape and bake: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Prepare glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Glaze and finish baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after the initial 45 minutes. Spread the glaze evenly over the top, then return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155º F.
- Rest and drain: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes outside the oven. Use the parchment paper to carefully lift the meatloaf from the pan, allowing excess grease to drain away before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut the meatloaf into slices and serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in a loaf pan helps to easily lift the meatloaf out and drain excess grease before slicing.
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 155º F for safe consumption, as ground beef requires full cooking.
- Feel free to customize the glaze with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its juiciness and structural integrity.
- Substitute ground beef with a blend of beef and pork for added flavor complexity, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, cracker barrel meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, glaze meatloaf
