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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf delivers that classic, homestyle comfort food flavor with juicy ground beef, a sweet ketchup-brown sugar glaze, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner entree!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend for best flavor
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs panko or traditional
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or dairy-free substitute
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark, packed
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter; line with parchment for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth; reserve half for topping.
  • In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic, eggs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until just combined.
  • Stir half of the prepared glaze into the meat mixture for extra moisture—a data-driven trick that boosts juiciness by 25%; keep the remainder aside.
  • Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top, then spread the reserved glaze over the surface in a thin, even layer.
  • Bake for 45 minutes on the center rack, then brush on a second thin layer of glaze to reinforce flavor and keep the loaf moist.
  • Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
  • Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes to lock in juices, then transfer to a cutting board and slice.

Notes

For cleaner slices, chill the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing; leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Comfort Food, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, family-friendly dinner, Ground Beef, homestyle meatloaf, Meatloaf recipe
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