Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction
Meatloaf is a timeless classic that brings back memories of family gatherings and comforting home-cooked meals. Among the various meatloaf recipes out there, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf stands out for its delicious flavors and hearty texture.
Picture this: a moist and flavorful meatloaf, perfectly seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, topped with a tangy tomato glaze. The aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes in the oven is enough to make your mouth water. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into this beloved recipe and discover what makes it so special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf:
Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can whip up a delicious meatloaf in no time.
Secondly, the combination of flavors in this recipe is simply irresistible. The blend of herbs and spices adds depth and richness to the meat, while the tangy tomato glaze brings a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity.
Lastly, this meatloaf is versatile and customizable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add some diced vegetables to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the tomato glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or your hands.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to make the tomato glaze.
5. Pour half of the tomato glaze over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
7. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining tomato glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
8. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips for Success
1. Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or opt for a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
2. Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can result in a denser texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful meatloaf.
4. For an extra burst of flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Cut a block of cheddar or mozzarella cheese into small cubes and insert them into the center of the meatloaf before baking. The melted cheese adds a gooey surprise with every bite.
2. Turkey Meatloaf: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner and lighter version of this classic dish.
3. Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort food meal.
2. For a Southern twist, pair it with collard greens and cornbread.
3. Leftover meatloaf makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Simply slice it and place it between two slices of bread with your favorite condiments.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions until step 5, cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, spread the remaining tomato glaze, and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a classic recipe that never fails to satisfy. With its flavorful blend of herbs and spices, moist texture, and tangy tomato glaze, it’s a dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Try it out and let us know your thoughts. We’d love to hear about your meatloaf adventures!
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
A timeless classic meatloaf recipe featuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, topped with a tangy tomato glaze. This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress with its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
-
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape. Smooth the top.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to make the tomato glaze.
-
Pour half of the tomato glaze over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
-
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
-
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining tomato glaze over the top. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is slightly caramelized.
-
Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
