Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Rest before eating
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
414 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Description
This meatloaf recipe integrates crushed Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese into the ground beef, adding moisture and a gentle crumb texture alongside savory onion and bell pepper bits. Eggs and milk help bind the mixture together. The loaf is shaped by hand onto a lined baking pan and baked for 30 minutes initially, then topped with a glaze blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a sticky, flavorful topping during the additional 30-40 minutes of baking.
The final loaf is juicy with a balance of savory and mildly sweet flavors due to the glaze. Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and maintain slice integrity. It pairs well with hearty sides like mashed potatoes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days. The resting step is important to prevent drying out and juice loss when serving.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 3 egg large
- 1/2 white onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 1 1/2 Ritz crackers crushed (approximately 45 crackers, sleeves
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Then stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, milk, onion, green bell pepper, salt and pepper.
- Then add in the ground beef and mix well. You will need to mix by hand based on the thickness of the mixture.
- Place the meat mixture on the prepared pan and form it into a loaf with your hands.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, stir together the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
- After the initial 30 minute cook time, spread the topping over the meatloaf. Then bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the center of the loaf has an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Remove from the oven and let the loaf set for 10-15 minutes.
- Then slice, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Mix ground beef by hand for best texture and thorough ingredient incorporation.
- Serving the meatloaf with mashed potatoes complements its comforting flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 414 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 414kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 946mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 706mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 305IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 151mg | 15% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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