Description
A hearty and flavorful Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe made with ground beef, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and a sweet savory glaze. This comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggs, room temp
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 25 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to begin cooking preparations.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, add your eggs and beat until smooth. Then, add the milk and crushed crackers to the beaten eggs, stirring to combine.
- Mix Base Ingredients: Add diced onion and shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir well to fully combine these ingredients before proceeding.
- Combine Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the egg mixture. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Mold the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
- Prepare Topping: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
- Apply First Topping Layer: After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and evenly spread half of the prepared topping over it. Return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes of baking.
- Apply Second Topping Layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven again, spread the remaining topping evenly over it, and return to the oven for a final 15 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Once fully cooked and topped, remove the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest slightly, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- You can use mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar based on preference.
- If you prefer a different topping, barbecue sauce can be a good alternative.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
