This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf brings the classic comfort food to life with a savory glaze. The sweet and tangy topping perfectly complements the rich, tender beef inside.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal, this dish is an easy and satisfying choice. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for the complete comfort food experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups dry bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- ½ cup ketchup
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a lightly greased baking dish or a loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic
Meatloaf is one of those classic American dishes that has become a staple in countless households over the years. Known for its hearty, comforting flavors and satisfying texture, this dish has been served in homes across the nation for generations. While there are many variations of meatloaf, the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is one that stands out for its perfect combination of flavors, tender meat, and a sweet-savory glaze that has become a signature feature of the dish.
The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and a variety of spices makes for a savory and juicy meatloaf that is complemented by a glaze made of brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. This recipe brings out the best of comfort food, perfect for feeding a family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a casual dinner party. If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Cracker Barrel, then you know just how delicious their meatloaf can be, and this recipe captures that same essence.
The Origins and Popularity of Meatloaf
Meatloaf has deep roots in American culinary history, dating back to the 19th century. The dish likely originated as a way to stretch meat by combining it with breadcrumbs and vegetables, which helped feed large families on a budget. As American home cooks looked for ways to create hearty, filling meals without spending a lot of money, meatloaf became a go-to dish.
In the early days, meatloaf was primarily made with ground beef, but as time went on, different versions emerged, including ones made with pork, veal, turkey, and even chicken. The versatility of the dish made it an attractive option for families, as it could be customized in countless ways based on personal tastes and the ingredients on hand. Today, meatloaf remains a popular comfort food, frequently found in diners, home kitchens, and restaurants like Cracker Barrel.
What Makes Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Unique?
Cracker Barrel has managed to elevate the humble meatloaf to iconic status by combining high-quality ingredients and a few simple techniques. The company’s version of meatloaf is known for its moist, tender texture and the perfect balance of flavors. What sets it apart from other meatloaf recipes is the use of a flavorful glaze that coats the top of the meatloaf during baking. This glaze combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tanginess of mustard and ketchup, creating a savory topping that enhances the richness of the meatloaf.
The meat itself is made with ground beef, a key ingredient that adds flavor and juiciness to the dish. Cracker Barrel’s version also includes finely chopped onions, which give the meatloaf a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch, as well as breadcrumbs and eggs that bind everything together and ensure the meatloaf doesn’t fall apart while cooking. This combination of flavors and textures creates the perfect meatloaf that is both comforting and delicious.
The Benefits of Making Meatloaf at Home
While meatloaf can be found in many restaurants and fast-food chains, there’s something truly special about making it from scratch at home. Not only does homemade meatloaf give you complete control over the ingredients, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your preferences. For example, you can add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile, or adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking.
One of the main benefits of making meatloaf at home is that it’s an incredibly versatile dish. Whether you prefer a rich, tangy glaze or a milder topping, you can easily adjust the ingredients to match your tastes. Additionally, meatloaf can be made in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Leftovers can also be enjoyed the next day, making it an excellent dish for busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Meatloaf
To achieve the perfect meatloaf, it’s important to use the right ingredients. While Cracker Barrel’s recipe uses ground beef as the base, you can experiment with different types of ground meat to see what works best for you. Lean ground beef tends to be the most popular choice because it yields a juicy, flavorful meatloaf without being too greasy.
In addition to the meat, breadcrumbs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the loaf. While you can use store-bought breadcrumbs, making your own from stale bread can add extra flavor and texture to the dish. Eggs are another essential ingredient, helping to hold the meat mixture together while it bakes.
Onions are commonly used in meatloaf for their natural sweetness and flavor, and they also add a bit of moisture to the dish. For the glaze, a combination of brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the savory meat.
Serving Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a hearty dish that can stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Some classic options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and macaroni and cheese. For a more nutritious meal, consider serving the meatloaf with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
If you want to make your meal feel more like a traditional Southern dinner, you can serve the meatloaf with cornbread, baked beans, or coleslaw. These side dishes add flavor and texture to the meal, making it a satisfying and well-rounded feast.
Tips for Perfecting Your Meatloaf
While meatloaf is relatively easy to make, there are a few tips that can help ensure your meatloaf comes out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For the best texture and flavor, opt for lean ground beef. This will keep the meatloaf moist without being greasy.
- Let the Meatloaf Rest: After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender meatloaf.
- Customize the Glaze: While the classic brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup glaze is delicious, you can experiment with other ingredients. Try adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce, honey, or balsamic vinegar to add depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
There’s no doubt that Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a recipe that has stood the test of time. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it at a gathering, this meatloaf is sure to impress.
Its moist, tender texture and flavorful glaze will have everyone coming back for more. And the best part is that it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel meatloaf is more than just a comforting meal — it’s a dish that has been passed down through generations and remains a favorite in many households. With its perfect combination of beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and a sweet-savory glaze, this meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a meal for guests, or simply looking for a delicious comfort food recipe to add to your repertoire, Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a must-try. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor.