Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is a beloved comfort food classic. This recipe lets you make it at home in just over an hour. You’ll need ground chuck, Ritz crackers, veggies, and a few other simple ingredients to whip up this tasty dish. The recipe serves 10, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

The meatloaf is topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds extra flavor. It’s made with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This glaze helps keep the meatloaf moist and gives it a nice shine. After baking, let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it from falling apart.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy Cracker Barrel meatloaf:

For the meatloaf:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 1 can (14.1 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

These simple ingredients come together to make a tasty meatloaf just like the one at Cracker Barrel. The crushed Ritz crackers give it a special touch!

Remember to drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to your mix. This helps keep your meatloaf from getting too wet.

Instructions

Making Cracker Barrel meatloaf is easy and fun. You’ll start by mixing up a tasty glaze, then prepare the meatloaf itself. Let’s go through it step by step.

Meatloaf Glaze Preparation

Grab a small bowl to make the glaze. Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix these ingredients well.

The glaze will be sweet and tangy. It adds a nice flavor to the meatloaf. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar if you like.

Meatloaf Preparation

Turn your oven on to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This makes cleanup easier later.

In a big bowl, crack 2 eggs and beat them. Add 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup diced green pepper, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 can drained diced tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix all this stuff together.

Now add 1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck to the bowl. Mix it in well with your hands. Shape the mix into a loaf on your baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes. Then spread your glaze on top. Bake 30 more minutes or until it’s 160°F inside. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before you slice it.

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out some ingredients in this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe. Here are some tasty options:

Ground meat:

  • Ground turkey
  • Ground pork
  • Ground chicken

Crackers:

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Crushed saltines
  • Oatmeal

Veggies:

  • Red bell pepper instead of green
  • Grated carrot
  • Minced celery

For a dairy-free version, try:

  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Beef broth

Glaze swaps:

  • BBQ sauce for ketchup
  • Honey for brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard for yellow mustard

These substitutes let you make the meatloaf fit your tastes or diet needs. Just keep the amounts the same when you swap things out. Have fun trying new combos!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. Start by using lean ground beef instead of chuck to reduce fat content. Replace the Ritz crackers with whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.

Cut the amount of brown sugar in half for the glaze. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer. For the meatloaf itself, add extra veggies like grated carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and fiber.

Try these swaps in the recipe:

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)

When serving, stick to a 3-4 ounce portion size. Pair your meatloaf with non-starchy veggie sides like green beans or a side salad. This helps balance your plate and keeps carbs in check.

Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. They can give you personalized advice on portion sizes and ingredient swaps that work best for you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best Cracker Barrel meatloaf, use fresh ingredients. Choose lean ground beef for a juicy texture. Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender.

Finely chop the onions and bell peppers for even flavor distribution. Use a food processor to crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.

Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid a soggy meatloaf. For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This helps it hold together when you slice it. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

You can make the meatloaf ahead of time. Store it wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen slices in the fridge overnight. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave single slices for 1-2 minutes.

For a twist, try adding grated cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. It adds extra flavor and moisture.

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