Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a delightful comfort food that embodies the heartiness and warmth of a home-cooked meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this classic dish captures the essence of southern cooking and is sure to bring back fond memories of family dinners. This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the iconic taste of Cracker Barrel right in your own kitchen, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining savory ground beef with a blend of spices and seasonings that create a mouthwatering flavor profile. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking minimal effort while delivering maximum results. This dish fits well into a hearty, comfort-focused diet, serving as a wholesome protein source that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this meatloaf is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Tips and Tricks
- Quality Meat: Use a blend of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor and moist texture. Aim for an 80/20 ratio of meat to fat for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meatloaf too much can lead to a dense texture. Combine ingredients just until they are blended.
- Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice even more flavorful.
- Moisture Matters: Adding a small amount of milk or beef broth keeps the meatloaf moist. Consider adding a couple of tablespoons of ketchup for extra flavor and moisture.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also shape the meatloaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. If you prefer, you can freeze it before cooking for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Meatloaf: Add a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the meat mixture for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Stuffed Meatloaf: Roll the meatloaf around a filling of sautéed vegetables and cheese for a delicious surprise in every bite.
How to Serve
Slice the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf into hearty portions and serve it on a warm plate. For a comforting touch, accompany it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your meatloaf with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing iced tea for a true Southern experience. On the side, consider classic accompaniments such as buttery corn on the cob or a slice of homemade cornbread. For dessert, a slice of warm apple pie or pecan pie would round out the meal perfectly.
How to Store
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish or loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, consider adding finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the meatloaf for a seasonal touch. During the summer, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used, but it may result in a drier loaf. Adding a bit more moisture, like extra milk or an egg, can help.
- What can I substitute for breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as an alternative.
- How long should I cook the meatloaf? Cooking times may vary based on the size of the meatloaf, but typically, it takes about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a delightful comfort food that embodies the heartiness and warmth of a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top for added flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 425Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 686mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 34g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its rich flavors, straightforward preparation, and the ability to adapt to various tastes and diets, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to recreate a beloved classic. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of making this delightful meatloaf that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
