Description
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf copycat recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. With a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base and a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cups fresh shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add ground beef to a large bowl and break it into large crumbs.
- Add the rest of the ingredients from the ‘Meatloaf’ list to the ground beef and mix well to fully combine. Use your hands if needed.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a greased baking dish, shaping it into a loaf. Alternatively, use a 9×5-inch meatloaf pan.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine all the ‘Topping’ ingredients.
- Spread the topping onto the meatloaf and bake for another 20-30 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The best meatloaf recipes use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture.
- Use fresh shredded cheese to prevent moisture absorption.
- Feel free to use red bell pepper instead of green, or omit it altogether.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 148mg
