Description
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf copycat recipe delivers a comforting, classic American favorite with a savory blend of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze. Perfectly baked and juicy, it pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying homestyle meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ to ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature while preparing the meatloaf mixture.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a small pan and sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. This process mellows their flavor and improves the texture. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, sautéed onions and peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add ground beef: Gently fold in the ground beef, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and place in pan: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it into a loaf pan. Using a loaf pan is essential to maintain the shape and ensure even cooking.
- Bake initial: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare topping: While baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the topping glaze.
- Apply topping and continue baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes and brush the ketchup mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest the meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest in the loaf pan for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the temperature to rise to around 160 degrees and helps the juices redistribute, preventing dryness when slicing.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, ideally alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- A loaf pan is recommended to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart and to promote even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, ensuring a moist texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, Cracker Barrel, copycat recipe, comfort food, baked meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, classic American dinner
