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Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Delicious, savory Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf made with ground beef, spices, and a tangy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 slices
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • loaf pan

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef see notes for alternative meat suggestion
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 2 pieces eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 0.5 to 0.75 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Sauté the diced peppers and onions in a small pan with the olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. This gives them a more subtle flavor and texture. Set aside and let cool.
  • Combine the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, onions, bell peppers, cheese, milk, and salt/pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add ground beef and mix until just combined. Don't overwork the meat, we want tender results.
  • Form it into a loaf and place it into a loaf pan. Not using a loaf pan can result in the loaf falling apart. It also takes much longer to cook, which causes it to dry out.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Combine the topping ingredients while it bakes and set aside.
  • Remove the meatloaf and brush on the topping. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes. (Pull it once it reaches 155 degrees.)
  • Let it rest for 15 minutes in the loaf pan prior to slicing in. It will increase 8-10 degrees in temperature during this time. Slicing in too early also causes the juices to leak out. Ensure the middle is 160 degrees before you slice it.
  • Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Notes

Pro Tips: I like to use a 3-meat combination of ground beef, pork, and veal - equal parts of each. Many grocery stores have this meat combination already packaged, specifically for making meatloaf and meatballs. Ask the grocer if they carry it! The results are super tender and flavorful. Some people like to place the meatloaf over a few slices of fresh bread, the bread acts as a sponge and soaks up any excess grease. Meatloaf can take 15-20 minutes longer to cook through if you're baking at a higher altitude. To cut down on time, try my mini meatloaf recipe! This meatloaf is perfect with a side of my Homemade Mashed Potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and roasted green beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 628mgPotassium: 446mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 566IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 164mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Copycat Recipe, Cracker Barrel, easy recipe, meatloaf
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