When the house smells like browned onions and sweet ketchup and my kids come wandering into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner I tell them we’re having something that always feels like a hug, which is why I make this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe on slow evenings when I want dinner to feel like a small family tradition.
Why You’ll Love It
This meatloaf is one of those honest recipes that fits into weeknights and Sunday suppers alike, it browns nicely, holds together for clean slices, and the sweet tangy glaze makes leftovers taste just as good as the first night, perfect for anyone who likes comforting, familiar dinners.
Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes |
Cook Time: 60 minutes |
Total Time: 80 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 85 15
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped about 3 4 cup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 3 cup ketchup for the mixture
- For the glaze 1 3 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl combine the ground beef breadcrumbs egg milk chopped onion minced garlic salt pepper Worcestershire and dried parsley, mix gently until just combined do not overwork the meat.
- Fold in 1 3 cup ketchup so the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan press it in evenly and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl whisk together the glaze ingredients ketchup brown sugar and Worcestershire until smooth.
- Spread about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf reserving the rest for serving.
- Bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes until an instant read thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 F and the glaze is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes in the pan before turning out and slicing, serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey and herb meatloaf Swap half or all of the beef for ground turkey add chopped fresh thyme and rosemary for a lighter flavor.
- Cheesy center Press a strip of sliced cheddar or pepper jack into the center before baking for a melty surprise.
- Barbecue glaze Replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce mixed with a tablespoon of brown sugar for a smokier finish.
- Gluten free Use gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten free crackers and check labels for sauces to keep it gluten free.
Make Ahead: You can mix the meat mixture and shape it into the loaf pan up to 24 hours in advance covered and refrigerated, or shape into a loaf on parchment and wrap tightly; keep the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and add it before baking or reheat the finished slices the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe
Yes you can use leaner beef just expect a slightly drier loaf add a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg and keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overbaking
How do I store leftovers
Store sliced meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months thaw in the fridge before reheating
Can I double this recipe for a crowd
You can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or bake in a larger dish increase cooking time slightly and use an instant read thermometer to check for 160 F
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf is one of those honest recipes that fits into weeknights and Sunday suppers alike, it browns nicely, holds together for clean slices, and the sweet tangy glaze makes leftovers taste just as good as the first night, perfect for anyone who likes comforting, familiar dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 85 15
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped about 3 4 cup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 3 cup ketchup for the mixture
- For the glaze 1 3 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl combine the ground beef breadcrumbs egg milk chopped onion minced garlic salt pepper Worcestershire and dried parsley, mix gently until just combined do not overwork the meat.
- Fold in 1 3 cup ketchup so the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan press it in evenly and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl whisk together the glaze ingredients ketchup brown sugar and Worcestershire until smooth.
- Spread about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf reserving the rest for serving.
- Bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes until an instant read thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 F and the glaze is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes in the pan before turning out and slicing, serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Conclusion
This Cracker Barrel style meatloaf is one of those dependable recipes that makes the kitchen feel like home, it is forgiving to small changes and perfect for feeding a family or making extras for easy lunches, so give it a try with the glaze you love and remember small adjustments like adding cheese or swapping meats are welcome and will still keep that warm familiar flavor at the center of the meal.
