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homemade Cracker Barrel meatloaf with a glossy ketchup glaze on a white plate, showing its moist interior."

Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe recreates the restaurant’s classic comfort food with a perfect blend of beef, oats, and a tangy glaze. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground beef 80/20 For best moisture
  • 1 cup Old-fashioned oats Key texture element
  • ½ cup Yellow onion Finely diced
  • ½ cup Green bell pepper Minced
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar Freshly grated
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 large Eggs Lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup Tomato juice Adds moisture
  • ½ cup Whole milk Helps bind ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Sea salt To taste
Glaze:
  • ½ cup Ketchup Base for glaze
  • ¼ cup Brown sugar Adds sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard Tangy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Depth of flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Loaf pan (9x5) Non-stick recommended
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For combining ingredients
  • 1 Box grater For shredding cheese
  • 1 Sharp knife For dicing onions and peppers
  • 1 Cutting board Prepping vegetables
  • 1 Measuring cups Dry and liquid
  • 1 Meat thermometer Ensure doneness (160°F)
  • 1 Aluminum foil Covering during baking

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dice onions, mince peppers, and grate cheese.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground beef, oats, onions, peppers, cheese, and garlic.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, tomato juice, milk, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour wet mixture into the beef mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
  6. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5 loaf pan.
  7. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for glaze.
  8. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Cover with foil.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and spread remaining glaze. Bake another 15 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.