Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort and Culinary Delight
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort and Culinary Delight
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper finely diced
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef see notes for alternative meat suggestion
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2-3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
- Sauté the diced peppers and onions in a small pan with the olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. This gives them a more subtle flavor and texture. Set aside and let cool.
- Combined the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, onions, bell peppers, cheese, milk, and salt/pepper in a large bowl.
- Add ground beef and mix until just combined. Don't overwork the meat, we want tender results.
- Form it in a loaf and place it into a loaf pan. Not using a loaf pan can result in the loaf falling apart. It also takes much longer to cook, which causes it to dry out.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Combine the topping ingredients while it bakes and set aside.
- Remove the meatloaf and brush on the topping. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes. (Pull it once it reaches 155 degrees.)
- Let it rest for 15 minutes in the loaf pan prior to slicing in. It will increase 8-10 degrees in temperature during this time. Slicing in too early also causes the juices to leak out. Ensure the middle is 160 degrees before you slice it.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal
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