Ah, a Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf—classic comfort food, rich, savory, and topped with that sweet tomato glaze. 🍽️ Here’s a detailed recipe to make it at home:
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
For the meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy kick)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 5 minutes to soften.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Shape and bake
- Form mixture into a loaf shape (~8×4 inches) and place in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
- Bake 30–35 minutes to start cooking before glazing.
4. Add the glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.
- Spread evenly over the top of the partially baked meatloaf.
- Return to oven and bake 20–25 more minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest and serve
- Let meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn for a full Cracker Barrel-style meal.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Using half ground beef, half ground pork makes it extra juicy.
- Don’t skip the resting step; it keeps slices intact.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic before mixing into meat.
If you want, I can also make a quick stovetop version of meatloaf “in a skillet” that gives a similar Cracker Barrel flavor in under 45 minutes.
Do you want me to do that?
