Cracker Barrel is known for its comfort food, and their meatloaf is a popular dish on their menu. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can make a homemade version that closely resembles Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf. Here’s a recipe to try:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup saltine crackers, crushed (about 12-15 crackers)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, crushed saltine crackers, and eggs.
- Pour in the milk and add 1/2 cup of ketchup.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon.
3. Form the Meatloaf:
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
4. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup, brown sugar, and dry mustard.
5. Glaze the Meatloaf:
- Spread the glaze mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve your homemade Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or macaroni and cheese, for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s reminiscent of Cracker Barrel’s classic dish.
