Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf
This classic Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with comforting homemade flavor. It combines ground beef with vegetables, seasonings, and crushed crackers, then gets finished with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper. Smaller pieces blend into the meatloaf more evenly and add flavor without making the loaf difficult to slice.
- Make the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped vegetables, eggs, crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Mix gently: Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into an even loaf. If using a baking dish instead of a loaf pan, leave a little space around the sides.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add the glaze: Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for approximately 55–70 minutes, depending on its size and shape.
- Finish with more glaze: During the final 10–15 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze over the top and return the meatloaf to the oven.
- Check for doneness: The center should reach 160°F (71°C). Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips
For the most tender meatloaf, mix the ingredients just until combined. Letting the finished meatloaf rest before slicing also helps it hold its shape and keeps the juices from running out immediately.
Serving Ideas
Serve this comforting meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, roasted vegetables, or homemade dinner rolls. Spoon any extra glaze or pan juices over the slices before serving.
