There’s something truly comforting about a classic meatloaf, and Cracker Barrel has perfected this hearty dish over the years. I’ve always loved their rich flavors and that perfect balance of savory goodness. Recreating their meatloaf at home felt like a delicious challenge I couldn’t resist.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Tools and Equipment
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf perfection starts with having the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what I use to ensure every step goes smoothly:
- Large Mixing Bowl
Essential for combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, and all the flavorful ingredients. A sturdy bowl helps mix everything evenly without spilling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key. Measuring cups ensure you get the right amount of milk and breadcrumbs, while measuring spoons help with spices like thyme and parsley.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula
I prefer a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to gently mix the ingredients. This helps maintain the meat’s texture without overworking it.
- Loaf Pan
A 9×5-inch loaf pan shapes the meatloaf perfectly, allowing it to cook evenly. Non-stick pans make for easy cleanup too.
- Aluminum Foil
Covering the meatloaf with foil during baking keeps it moist and prevents the glaze from burning prematurely.
- Basting Brush
For applying the sweet and tangy glaze evenly, a good basting brush ensures every inch of the meatloaf is covered.
- Oven
A reliable oven set to the right temperature is crucial. Consistent heat ensures the meatloaf cooks through without drying out.
- Knife and Cutting Board
Finely chopping onions and garlic releases their flavors, enhancing the meatloaf’s depth. A sharp knife and sturdy cutting board make this task effortless.
- Kitchen Thermometer
To achieve the perfect doneness, a thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safety and juiciness.
- Cooling Rack
Allowing the meatloaf to rest on a cooling rack before slicing helps it set, making clean and neat slices every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the meatloaf ahead of time not only saves you time on busy days but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Here’s how I like to make-ahead my Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf:
Preparing the Meatloaf
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. I mix gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensuring an even shape helps it cook uniformly.
- Apply the Glaze:
In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf for that signature sweet and tangy finish.
Storing the Meatloaf
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Wrap Properly:
Once the meatloaf is shaped and glazed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date:
Especially if freezing, label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.
Reheating Instructions
| Storage State | Oven Temperature | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|
| From Refrigerator | 350°F (175°C) | 25-30 minutes |
| From Freezer | 350°F (175°C) | 60 minutes (ensure internal temp reaches 165°F) |
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to the appropriate temperature based on how you stored the meatloaf.
- Prepare for Baking:
Remove the wrapping and place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture during reheating.
- Bake:
- Refrigerated Meatloaf: Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Frozen Meatloaf: Bake for approximately 60 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving:
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after reheating. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s classic meatloaf with minimal effort whenever hunger strikes.
Instructions
Let’s recreate Cracker Barrel’s classic meatloaf with these straightforward steps. Follow along to achieve a delicious, hearty meal.
Prep
- Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Ingredients
- Finely chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Chopped onion
- Minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Combine Mixture
- Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Cook
- Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a uniform loaf.
- Bake
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Let it rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Apply the Glaze
- Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf after it has rested.
- Optional Caramelization
- For a caramelized finish, return the glazed meatloaf to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Cooking Details
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) | – |
| Bake Meatloaf | 350°F (175°C) | 1 hour |
| Caramelize Glaze | 350°F (175°C) | 10 minutes |
| Rest Meatloaf | – | 10 minutes |
Conclusion
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf at home has been such a rewarding experience. I love how the rich flavors come together perfectly.
Having all the right ingredients and tools makes the process smooth. Now I can enjoy this comforting dish anytime I crave it.
Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Cracker Barrel to your own kitchen. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for family dinners.
