There’s something about a homestyle meatloaf that just wraps you in a cozy hug, right? It takes me back to my childhood, where Sunday dinners were all about the comforting aroma wafting through the house. I could hardly wait to dig into that juicy, savory slice, just like the ones I’d enjoy at Cracker Barrel. This recipe is my twist on that classic, bringing together all those nostalgic flavors with a few of my own secrets. Trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food—perfectly moist, with a slightly tangy ketchup glaze on top that you just can’t resist. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a little taste of home, this homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup packed breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Prepare Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your meatloaf to bake evenly and perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, packed breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Trust me, the mix of flavors here is what makes this meatloaf so special!
- Now, get your hands in there and mix until everything is well blended. I love using my hands for this—it just feels more personal, you know?
- Once it’s mixed, transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan. You want to shape it nicely, so it bakes evenly.
- For that classic touch, spread a layer of extra ketchup on top of the meatloaf. It gives it that beautiful glaze and a bit of tang as it bakes!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and it’ll smell heavenly!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is key because it helps the juices redistribute, making every slice super moist and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Rich, savory flavors that are perfectly balanced, just like the ones at Cracker Barrel.
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- The tangy ketchup glaze adds a delightful finishing touch that you can’t resist.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Customizable! You can add your favorite herbs or spices for a personal twist.
- This recipe yields a hearty portion, making it great for feeding a crowd.
- It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, creating moments to cherish.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect homestyle meatloaf is all about a few key details that can really elevate your dish. Here are my tried-and-true tips to help you avoid any pitfalls and ensure your meatloaf turns out amazing every time!
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf instead of a tender one. Just mix until everything is combined—trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). It’s the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked!
- Let it rest: I can’t stress this enough—let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, which means every slice will be juicy and flavorful!
- Add moisture: If you find your meatloaf turns out a bit dry, try adding a splash more milk or even some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra moisture and flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to customize your meatloaf! Adding herbs like parsley or thyme can give it a fresh punch, and swapping out Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce can add a nice depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the glaze: That extra layer of ketchup on top not only looks beautiful but adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory meat. It’s the cherry on top!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of homestyle meatloaf. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one slice of this delicious homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients used in the recipe, so they can vary a bit depending on your specific choices.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
So, whether you’re enjoying a comforting slice for dinner or savoring the leftovers, you can feel good about this hearty meal packed with flavor and nourishment!
FAQ about Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a splash more milk or even a bit of olive oil to keep it moist. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making homestyle meatloaf! To store, simply wrap any remaining slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just pop them in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the second time around!
What can I serve with homestyle meatloaf?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I recommend pairing your meatloaf with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for that true homestyle vibe. You could also try a side of buttery corn or a simple garden salad to brighten up the plate. And let’s not forget about some fluffy biscuits or crusty bread to soak up any extra delicious juices. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel, the right sides can truly elevate the meal! I always recommend serving it with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s just something magical about that buttery goodness paired with the savory meatloaf. Don’t forget a side of crisp green beans to add a nice pop of color and nutrition to your plate. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, roasted carrots or buttery corn on the cob are fantastic options as well!
And for that ultimate comfort experience, how about a warm, fluffy biscuit on the side? You can slather it with a bit of honey butter for that extra touch of indulgence. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to soak up all those delicious flavors from the meatloaf. So gather your family around the table, serve up those sides, and enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug!
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Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel: 7 Secrets to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan.
- Spread additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This meatloaf can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: homestyle meatloaf, Cracker Barrel meatloaf, meatloaf recipe
