Homestyle Magic: The Irresistible Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food takes center stage with this classic cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Rich ground beef mingles with savory seasonings, creating a mouthwatering main dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Tender and packed with flavor, this meatloaf delivers a nostalgic dining experience straight from traditional American kitchens.

Every bite brings warmth and memories of family dinners around the table.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Topped with a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully, this meatloaf will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making a truly irresistible dinner that brings comfort and joy to your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 7

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Lean cuts ensure juicy, tender meatloaf with rich flavor and perfect texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth, creating a more complex meaty profile.

• Eggs: Acts as natural glue holding ingredients together and providing silky consistency.
• Milk: Softens meat mixture, preventing dryness and enhancing overall tenderness.
• Breadcrumbs: Absorbs moisture, helps bind ingredients, and creates light, airy texture.

• Onion: Brings sharp, sweet undertones and aromatic complexity to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes and deepens savory characteristics.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that intensify and balance meat's natural flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami element with subtle smoky undertones.
• Ketchup: Provides sweet-tangy base for glaze and adds moisture to meat mixture.
• Dried Parsley: Contributes mild herbal freshness and visual green specks.

Tools For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Whisk or fork: Great for beating eggs and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
• Loaf pan or baking sheet: Crucial for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing and transferring meatloaf mixture.

How To Bake Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Prep the Oven and Pan

Get your oven warmed up to a cozy 350°F and grab a baking sheet or loaf pan. Lightly grease it or line with parchment paper to ensure your meatloaf doesn’t stick.

• Mix the Meaty Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled crackers, eggs, milk, and those flavor-packed seasonings. Use your hands to gently blend everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat.

• Shape and Season

Form the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle some extra seasoning on top for an extra flavor kick.

• Create a Tangy Glaze

Whip up a mouth-watering topping by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of mustard. This sweet and tangy glaze will give your meatloaf that irresistible shine and flavor.

• Bake to Perfection

Carefully spread the glaze over the top of your meatloaf. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

• Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious. Slice and serve hot, watching your family’s faces light up with excitement!

Tips For Moist Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal planning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary needs.
• Lean Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein alternative that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Moisture Master Tip: Add an extra egg or a splash of milk to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry, ensuring a tender and juicy result every time.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

Serving Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Best

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty meatloaf alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Veggie Sidekick Delight: Pair the meatloaf with roasted green beans or glazed carrots to add a colorful and nutritious boost to your meal, creating a well-balanced dinner plate.
• Sandwich Transformation Magic: Slice leftover meatloaf cold or warmed and create delicious sandwiches on soft bread with a dollop of tangy mustard or mayonnaise for a next-day lunch treat.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Crumble some meatloaf over a bed of mixed greens with a poached egg on top for a protein-packed weekend brunch option that reinvents your dinner leftovers.

How To Store Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Quick Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention in the refrigerator.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing ingredients to blend and develop richer taste profiles when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual meatloaf slices or whole loaf in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatloaf slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes or in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta skillet blends Italian culinary traditions with comfort food charm. Rich cheese, crispy chicken, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized)
• 2 cups (480 ml) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth or water
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it radiates culinary promise.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Envelop chicken pieces with a robust medley of salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then sear until a golden-brown crust emerges and interior reaches perfect doneness.
3. Preliminary Staging: Delicately transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth while leveraging the skillet’s flavorful remnants.
4. Pasta Integration: Introduce pasta directly into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with residual chicken-infused oils and seasonings.
5. Sauce Fusion: Cascade marinara sauce over the pasta, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coverage and harmonious blending.
6. Protein Reintroduction: Nestle the previously cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet, allowing them to seamlessly intermingle with the saucy pasta.
7. Cheese Transformation: Generously layer mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a molten, bubbling dairy landscape.
8. Final Melding: Cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, stretchy layer that binds the dish’s complex flavors.
9. Aromatic Finish: Adorn with fresh basil leaves, introducing a vibrant, herbaceous crescendo to the culinary composition.

Notes

• Manage Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, preventing some parts from being undercooked or overdone.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken or creating tough meat texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt slowly under cover, creating a smooth, stretchy layer that integrates seamlessly with pasta and chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Easily swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cheese for lighter version, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 770 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg