Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

## **Instructions**

### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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### **2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **chopped onion**, **bread crumbs**, **egg**, **milk**, **ketchup**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried herbs** (if using).
– Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can lead to a dense loaf. The mixture should be well-mixed but still tender.

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### **3. Shape the Meatloaf:**
– Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf by gently pressing the meat down into the pan, making sure the top is even. If you prefer, you can also shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet instead of using a pan. The shape is up to you!

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### **4. Make the Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, combine the **ketchup**, **brown sugar**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **mustard**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. Stir the ingredients together until smooth. This will be your tangy-sweet glaze.

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### **5. Glaze the Meatloaf:**
– Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. The rest of the glaze will be added later for extra flavor and shine.

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### **6. Bake the Meatloaf:**
– Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about **1 hour**, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (an internal temperature of **160°F (71°C)**).
– About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the remaining glaze over the top to create a nice, glossy finish.
– If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the meatloaf for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

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### **7. Let it Rest:**
– Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for **10 minutes** before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures that your meatloaf stays moist and tender.

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### **8. Slice and Serve:**
– Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve it hot with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or even a side of cornbread.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

**Cracker Barrel Meatloaf** is delicious on its own, but here are some classic sides that make this meal truly complete:

– **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate side for meatloaf, perfect for soaking up any extra gravy or glaze.
– **Green Beans:** A side of simple **green beans** or **roasted vegetables** adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
– **Mac and Cheese:** For the ultimate comfort food combo, serve the meatloaf with a side of creamy **macaroni and cheese**.
– **Cornbread:** A slice of warm, buttery **cornbread** would make a fantastic pairing with this hearty meal.
– **Coleslaw:** A tangy and crunchy **coleslaw** can balance out the richness of the meatloaf.

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## **Tips for Success**

🌟 **Use the Right Ground Beef:** For the best flavor and texture, opt for **80/20 ground beef** (80% lean, 20% fat). This ratio provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful, without being greasy.
🌟 **Don’t Overmix the Meat:** Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a dense meatloaf. Mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender result.
🌟 **Rest the Meatloaf:** Let the meatloaf rest after baking so that the juices can redistribute. This ensures it’s juicy and not dry when you slice into it.
🌟 **Customize the Glaze:** If you like a bit more spice, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a kick. For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika.
🌟 **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

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## **Why This Recipe Works**

**Cracker Barrel Meatloaf** is all about balance. The key to its success lies in the combination of **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, and **milk**, which create a tender and flavorful loaf without being dry. The **onion**, **garlic**, and **seasonings** bring depth and warmth to the dish, while the **tomato-based glaze** adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

This meatloaf is perfect for families and dinner guests alike. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, the leftovers make an excellent sandwich the next day, so you get more bang for your buck.

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## **Final Thoughts**

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic meatloaf, and **Cracker Barrel Meatloaf** takes that comfort food experience to the next level. With its perfect balance of savory flavors and a tangy-sweet glaze, this meatloaf will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or simply enjoying it on its own, this recipe is a surefire winner.

So next time you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal, give this **Cracker Barrel Meatloaf** a try. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Enjoy your delicious meatloaf! 🍽🥩