Introduction
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a classic Southern comfort dish known for its tender texture, savory flavor, and sweet-tangy tomato glaze. This homestyle meatloaf is hearty, satisfying, and nostalgic—just like the meals served at Cracker Barrel. Perfect for family dinners, Sunday meals, or leftovers the next day, this recipe brings cozy country cooking straight to your kitchen.
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Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 900 g (2 lb) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or saltine crackers)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Tomato Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, and bell pepper.
- Add eggs, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
3. Shape & Glaze
- Transfer mixture into prepared pan and shape evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Spread glaze generously over the top.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 60–70 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).
5. Rest & Serve
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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Methods (Primary Cooking Methods)
- Gentle mixing method to keep meatloaf tender
- Binder method using crackers and milk for moisture
- Glazing method for sweet-savory finish
- Resting method to retain juices
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History
Meatloaf has roots in European minced-meat dishes and became popular in America during the Great Depression as a way to stretch meat economically. Cracker Barrel, known for its Southern-inspired comfort food, popularized a homestyle meatloaf featuring a soft texture and sweet tomato glaze—now a beloved menu classic across the United States.
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Benefits
- High in protein
- Affordable family meal
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Comforting and filling
- Excellent for leftovers and meal prep
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Formation (Structure & Texture)
- Top: Sticky, caramelized tomato glaze
- Center: Moist, tender beef with soft crumb
- Bottom: Lightly browned base holding shape
The crackers and milk create a fluffy, sliceable texture.
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Lovers (Who Loves Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?)
- Comfort food fans
- Southern cuisine lovers
- Families and home cooks
- Meat-and-potatoes diners
- Anyone craving a hearty homestyle meal
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Methods (Repeated as Requested)
- Mixing by hand for control
- Using 80/20 beef for moisture
- Baking uncovered for proper glaze
- Allowing rest time before slicing
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Conclusion
Cracker Barrel–Style Meatloaf delivers everything you want in a comfort-food classic: tender texture, rich flavor, and a sweet-savory glaze that brings it all together. Simple to make and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.