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Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a deliciously moist and tender dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 slices
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • loaf pan

Ingredients
  

Base 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 whole eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients

  • 0.5-0.75 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoon 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 in 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.
  • Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Notes

I like to use a 3-meat combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. 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.

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 beef, Comfort Food, copycat recipe, Cracker Barrel, dinner, meatloaf
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