Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 1 hr | Standing time: 15 mins | Total time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 8
This copycat recipe is just like the original with the same tender meat mixture and incredibly flavorful topping. Make the ever-popular Cracker Barrel Meatloaf at home with this easy copycat and serve this old-fashioned comfort food over creamy mashed potatoes with your favourite greens on the side.
Ingredients
2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
½ tbsp canola oil
1/2 c. bell pepper, finely diced
½ c. yellow onion, finely diced
1 1/2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers, 32 counts, equal to one cup crushed
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 c. whole milk
Topping:
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2-3/4 c. ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
How to make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat)
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: This step is optional but recommended if you want a more subtle flavour and texture. In a small pan with canola oil, saute the diced peppers and onions for approximately 5 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Crush the Ritz crackers by the hand of using a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Combine the eggs, cracker crumbs, onion, bell pepper, cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and mix until just combined. Make sure not to overwork the meat. Into a loaf pan, pour the mixture and form it into a loaf. Then, place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: In the meantime, whisk the topping ingredients and set them aside.
Step 6: When the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush with the topping. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature of the loaf reached 155 degrees.
Step 7: Allow the loaf to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking before slicing. While the meatloaf is resting, the temperature will increase by 8 to 10 degrees. Make sure the centre of the meatloaf is 160 degrees before slicing.
Step 8: Slice the meatloaf and serve with creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes:
For this recipe, I use a 3-meat combination (ground beef, pork, and veal) in equal parts. This makes the meatloaf super tender and flavorful!
Over a couple of slices of fresh bread, place the meatloaf. The bread will soak up any excess grease.
If baking at a higher altitude, the cooking time of the meatloaf takes 15 to 20 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 674mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 4mg
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
- ½ tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 c. bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ c. yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers, 32 counts, equal to one cup crushed
- 2 Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 c. whole milk
- Topping:
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2-3/4 c. ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: This step is optional but recommended if you want a more subtle flavour and texture. In a small pan with canola oil, saute the diced peppers and onions for approximately 5 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Crush the Ritz crackers by the hand of using a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Combine the eggs, cracker crumbs, onion, bell pepper, cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and mix until just combined. Make sure not to overwork the meat. Into a loaf pan, pour the mixture and form it into a loaf. Then, place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: In the meantime, whisk the topping ingredients and set them aside.
Step 6: When the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush with the topping. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature of the loaf reached 155 degrees.
Step 7: Allow the loaf to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking before slicing. While the meatloaf is resting, the temperature will increase by 8 to 10 degrees. Make sure the centre of the meatloaf is 160 degrees before slicing.
Step 8: Slice the meatloaf and serve with creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
For this recipe, I use a 3-meat combination (ground beef, pork, and veal) in equal parts. This makes the meatloaf super tender and flavorful! Over a couple of slices of fresh bread, place the meatloaf. The bread will soak up any excess grease. If baking at a higher altitude, the cooking time of the meatloaf takes 15 to 20 minutes longer.
