Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction:
Cracker Barrel is renowned for its comforting, homestyle cooking, and one dish that stands out among its classics is the hearty meatloaf. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy this savory delight. With our Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe, you can recreate the magic of this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets behind this mouthwatering creation.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and compacted.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and vinegar until the sugar is dissolved. This sweet and tangy glaze will add an irresistible flavor to your meatloaf.
5. Glaze the Meatloaf: Brush the brown sugar and vinegar glaze over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will create a caramelized crust as it bakes, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Serve slices of this delicious Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Conclusion:
With our easy-to-follow Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe, you can bring the flavors of this beloved restaurant classic to your own dinner table. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a hearty and comforting meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and delight your family and friends with the homemade goodness of Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf.

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the sliced meatloaf for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Pair with Classic Sides: Serve your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf alongside traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Sauce it Up: Drizzle extra tomato sauce or gravy over the sliced meatloaf for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Make it a Sandwich: Transform leftovers into a delicious meatloaf sandwich by layering slices between toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, meatloaf can be frozen. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen meatloaf, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat slices directly from frozen in the oven or microwave, but ensure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated meatloaf, place slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in the microwave in short intervals until warmed to your liking, though be cautious not to overcook and dry out the meatloaf.
5. 1. Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe, or does it need to be a higher fat content?
6. While the original Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe typically uses ground beef with a higher fat content for added flavor and moisture, you can certainly use lean ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that leaner meat may result in a slightly drier texture, so you might want to compensate by adding a bit more moisture, such as additional tomato sauce or a splash of beef broth, to the meat mixture.
7. 2. Can I substitute the breadcrumbs for something else to make this recipe gluten-free?
8. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use cooked quinoa or rolled oats as alternatives. Just ensure that the substitute you choose has a similar texture to breadcrumbs to maintain the structure of the meatloaf.
9. 3. Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative to this meatloaf recipe?
10. Absolutely! While this recipe is tailored for meat lovers, you can create a vegetarian or vegan alternative by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as Beyond Meat or lentils. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences and follow the same preparation steps outlined in the recipe for a delicious meat-free version of Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf.
11. 4. Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and bake it later?
12. Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of shaping the meat mixture into a loaf, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the meatloaf from the refrigerator, glaze it, and bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that refrigerating the meatloaf mixture may slightly extend the baking time, so monitor it closely as it cooks.

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