Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 eggs
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, crushed crackers, eggs, ketchup, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently until fully combined.
Shape the meat mixture into loaf forms and place them into loaf pans or on a baking tray.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of each meatloaf.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Method
This meatloaf is baked in the oven using a classic comfort-food method. The crushed crackers help keep the meat tender and juicy while the sweet glaze creates a rich caramelized topping.
Preparation
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Resting time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
History
Meatloaf became popular in American kitchens during the Great Depression because it was an affordable way to stretch ground meat into a filling family meal. Cracker Barrel’s version is known for its soft texture and sweet tomato glaze.
Tips
Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the loaf tender.
Use lean ground beef for less grease.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together better.
Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a classic meal.
Benifits
High in protein and very filling.
Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Perfect for family dinners and leftovers.
Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated easily.
Nutrition
Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 28g
Sugar: 8g
Conclusion
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is hearty, tender, and full of comforting flavor. The savory beef mixture paired with the sweet and tangy glaze makes it a satisfying homemade meal perfect for any occasion.