The Start of a Southern Roadside Staple
Recently, I was on a road trip when I saw the glinting mirage of a Cracker Barrel off the exit ramp below. It got me thinking about home-cooked meals and the delicious Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe, and before I knew it, I’d turned off the interstate and made my way inside.
Cracker Barrel is a bit of an icon, one that Dan Evins founded in 1969. Even back then, this brand had that traditional country store style to it that has made it stand out from other chains. Designed with the intent to lure highway travelers, it still beckons even now, 55 years later. I’m living proof.
The southern charm of this restaurant comes from the name, which was chosen as an homage to barrels of soda crackers that were always for sale ages ago. People would congregate around the barrels and gab for a bit. It was only natural the name would evoke this sweet southern vibe.
With the first restaurant off I-40 in Tennessee, the menu rolled out those comforting foods that were perfect for weary travelers. Thick slices of country ham, biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, and perhaps the most iconic home-cooked meal you could ever find – meatloaf.
Where Did Meatloaf Come From Anyway?
What is the deal with meatloaf, you may be wondering. After all, with a name like that, it’s not really selling itself accordingly. Historians believe that meatloaf may have come from Medieval times to reuse scraps of meat. Others think it came about during the Great Depression when families were looking for ways to stretch their budgets and their kitchen staples, using breadcrumbs to round out the recipe and adding that tangy zip of ketchup on top.
Wherever it came from, meatloaf has been firmly entrenched in the hearts of Americans as a homemade dinner entrée. Your mom, grandma, and great grandmother have all likely made their own versions. Cracker Barrel takes the best of them and makes its meatloaf fresh at each of its locations every day, often selling out, much to the chagrin of those who arrive after the fact.
Family Road Trips Would Be Nothing Without Cracker Barrel
Even as an adult, I’m still a bit giddy when I get a chance to stop at a Cracker Barrel. It reminds me of our road trips when I was just a kid.
The first encounter I had with a Cracker Barrel, my dad rolled the car into a spot in the lot and I gazed at the old-timey style with curious eyes. As we walked in, the smell of home cooking enveloped me and I knew we were in for something delicious.
No, I didn’t order the meatloaf as a kid. I honestly think something happens to us as we move from childhood into adulthood, like a switch flips that makes meatloaf delectable rather than detestable. In any event, my first experience there was such a hit that it has often been the place I’ll stop for on long drives when my hunger gnaws at me and tells me I can’t go another mile without eating.
Quick Tips for Your Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
I use breadcrumbs in mine, but Cracker Barrel goes with crushed Ritz crackers. If you don’t have any of those, breadcrumbs are the perfect solution. You can give this a bit more zing on the top by putting just a bit of Worcestershire sauce into your ketchup topping.
If you like a sweeter meatloaf glaze, brown sugar makes a great addition. Spice fanatic? You can add some cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix to get that extra heat. And no matter how you like your meatloaf, this copycat Cracker Barrel recipe only gets better when you add in some chopped fresh herbs. No need for a road trip…check out the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe copycat below!
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Treat yourself with a classic comfort food with our Cracker Barrel Meatloaf copycat recipe. This homestyle favorite combines ground beef, onions, bell pepper, and a unique blend of seasonings, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a cozy family dinner and great for a week day budget. Don't forget those leftovers make one heck of a meatloaf sandwich!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup diced white onion
- 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef (20% fat)
- 1/3 cup seeded and diced Roma tomato (1 tomato)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup ketchup (glaze topping)
Preheat the oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking.
In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are slightly golden. Let the mixture cool off the heat.
In a separate small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a seasoned blend.
Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the beef. Gently incorporate the breadcrumbs into the beef using your hands, ensuring not to compress the meat to avoid a dense meatloaf. Aim for an even mix while breaking apart any large beef clumps.
Add the cooled sautéed veggies and diced tomatoes to the beef mixture. Use a light hand to mix, maintaining the texture of the meat.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and ketchup until smooth, ensuring there are no ketchup lumps.
Pour the wet ingredients over the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands, ensuring even distribution without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Transfer the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, shaping it gently. Avoid packing it tightly. Smooth the top to prepare for the ketchup glaze.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, carefully spread a generous layer of ketchup over the meatloaf. Continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads between 155°F and 160°F.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is moist and easy to slice. Serve in 1-inch thick slices for a hearty meal.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce into the ketchup topping.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar into the ketchup glaze for a touch of sweetness and a caramelized finish.
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can be mixed into the beef for an aromatic twist.
- For a slight kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.