Here’s a copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that’s hearty, flavorful, and has that classic homestyle taste.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 1 hr
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 5 minutes to soak.
- Add ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with hands or a spoon until evenly combined.
- Shape the meatloaf:
- Form mixture into a loaf shape and place in a lightly greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Add the glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Spread glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides—just like Cracker Barrel!
💡 Tips for that Cracker Barrel flavor:
- Don’t overmix the meat—overworking it makes it dense.
- Adding a little finely grated carrot or celery can mimic that slightly sweet, homestyle texture.
- For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to brown the glaze slightly.
If you want, I can also make a super-moist version with a secret ingredient that many home cooks swear makes it taste exactly like Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf. It’s a tiny trick but game-changing. Do you want me to share that?
