Description
Cracker Barrel meatloaf delights home cooks with classic comfort flavors. Family-friendly ingredients combine for a hearty main dish you’ll savor with pride.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light oil coating for seamless meatloaf preparation.
- Mixture Development: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, eggs, and milk. Season with salt and pepper, blending ingredients gently to maintain a light texture without overworking the meat.
- Loaf Formation: Shape the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf approximately 9-5 inches long, positioning it centrally on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Initial Roasting: Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing deep flavor development and initial cooking of the meat.
- Glaze Creation: While the meatloaf roasts, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create a vibrant, glossy finishing sauce.
- Glazing and Final Baking: Remove meatloaf, generously brush with the prepared glaze, covering the entire surface. Return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) for food safety.
- Resting and Serving: Once fully cooked, remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest briefly. This pause allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful dining experience. Slice and serve warm, presenting a classic Cracker Barrel-style dish.
Notes
- Prevent Overworking Meat: Gently mix ingredients to avoid tough, dense meatloaf; mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Cracker Selection Matters: Use Ritz crackers for authentic flavor and optimal moisture; avoid substituting with other crackers that might alter texture.
- Glaze Application Technique: Apply glaze during final cooking stage to prevent burning; brush evenly for caramelized, glossy surface without charring.
- Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm 160F internal temperature; ensures food safety without overcooking and drying out meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg