Here’s a detailed article on how to make the beloved Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe—a comforting classic that has been a favorite for many. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish is packed with flavor and love. Here’s how to make it from scratch, step by step.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting Classic

If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel and tasted their savory meatloaf, you know it’s the perfect example of comfort food. With its tender, moist interior and rich flavor, this meatloaf has become an iconic dish at the family-friendly chain. The best part? You can make this delicious, hearty meatloaf right at home. Let’s walk through the recipe so you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!

Ingredients:

For this Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean is ideal for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain, or you can use panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but it adds depth)
• ½ cup ketchup (for the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for the glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix all of these ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf. You want everything to be just combined to keep the texture light and tender.

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