When I think of comfort food, one dish that always comes to mind is meatloaf. Growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table every Sunday, and my mom would whip up her famous meatloaf, filling the house with a warm, savory aroma. It was a dish that brought us together, and every bite felt like a warm hug. Today, I’m excited to share my version of a Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that tastes just like the one I remember, evoking those cherished memories of family and love.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This meatloaf recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Flavorful Blend: The combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy texture that’s bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any night of the week.
- Comforting Topping: The sweet and tangy glaze on top adds a delightful finish that elevates the dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
Let’s Get Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1/4 cup ketchup. Spread this mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Hints & Variations
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute the ground pork with turkey for a lighter version!
Perfect Pairings
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Homemade cornbread
- A glass of red wine or iced tea
Kitchen Q&A
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of family gatherings and the love that goes into cooking. Each bite takes me back to those Sunday dinners, and I hope it brings you the same comfort and joy.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or share your own stories about meatloaf. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Tastes Like Pure Comfort
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1/4 cup ketchup. Spread this mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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