Dive into the hearty flavors of our Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, featuring ground beef, yellow onion, green bell pepper, and a tangy ketchup glaze. This budget-friendly recipe brings the classic comfort of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen.
Remember those family road trips where Cracker Barrel was the unanimous pit stop choice? There was something undeniably comforting about ending a long drive with their hearty meatloaf. After moving away from the easy reach of a Cracker Barrel, I found myself missing that familiar, comforting taste. This led me on a quest to recreate that beloved meatloaf at home. After several attempts and a few humorous kitchen mishaps — like the time I mistook paprika for cayenne pepper (spicy surprise!) — I finally nailed the recipe. Now, every time I make this meatloaf, it's like taking a little trip down memory lane, back to those family-filled, laughter-laden dinners at Cracker Barrel.
Why You'll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Our Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf isn't just a tribute to a restaurant favorite; it's a reimagined home-cooked classic that offers both nostalgia and new culinary delights.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy the rich flavors of a restaurant meal at a fraction of the cost.
- Homemade Freshness: You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier version without preservatives or additives.
- Customizable: Easily tweak spices and ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Just as delicious the next day, our meatloaf is ideal for sandwiches or a quick microwave meal.
Ingredient Notes
Each ingredient in our Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf plays a pivotal role in recreating the iconic taste while giving you room to make it uniquely yours.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture; leaner meats can make your meatloaf dry.
- Onions and Bell Peppers: Finely dicing these vegetables ensures they blend seamlessly into the loaf, offering subtle crunch and flavor without overpowering.
- Ritz Crackers: These crackers add a slight buttery taste and help bind the ingredients. Feel free to experiment with other crackers based on what’s in your pantry.
- Ketchup Glaze: The ketchup not only adds a tangy sweetness to the crust but also keeps the meatloaf moist during baking. Consider spicing up the ketchup with a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire for an extra kick.
How To Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Let's break down the preparation of our Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf into detailed, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can recreate this comforting classic with ease.
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- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheet. This ensures a smooth workflow and helps in handling the meatloaf safely.
- Mixing Ingredients: Combine all your ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
- Forming the Loaf: Shape your meat mixture on the baking sheet. Be sure to form a consistent shape for even cooking.
- Baking and Glazing: Halfway through baking, add your ketchup glaze. This step is crucial for developing that classic Cracker Barrel flavor and enticingly sticky crust.
- Resting: Let your meatloaf rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is moist and delicious.
Storage Options
For storing your Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, you have several convenient options. Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf slices individually and freeze them. They can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven, making this meatloaf a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Variations and Substitutions
While our recipe captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf, don’t hesitate to personalize it with some creative tweaks.
- Meat Variations: Try mixing in some ground turkey with the beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, consider using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Cracker Substitutes: Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
- Enhanced Flavors: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add a sprinkle of cheese inside the loaf for a cheesy surprise.
These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy this comforting meal, no matter their dietary preferences or restrictions.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup of green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup of ketchup
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a substantial mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, green bell pepper, eggs, kosher salt, black pepper, drained diced tomatoes, and crushed Ritz crackers. Employ either your hands or a large wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the tenderness of the loaf.
- Forming the Loaf: Transfer the mixed ingredients onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to mold the mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring an even thickness throughout to promote consistent cooking.
- Initial Baking: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this initial cooking period, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Applying the Glaze: Utilize a pastry brush to evenly spread the ketchup over the top and sides of the partially cooked meatloaf. This layer will contribute a tangy flavor and appealing glaze upon further baking.
- Final Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Resting: After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a moister and more flavorful final product.
