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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel meatloaf with a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes into a glossy top. Juicy meatloaf made with a beef-and-pork blend, diced onion and green pepper, and a milk-soaked breadcrumb mixture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
resting 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 0.5 cup diced yellow onion
  • 0.5 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 loaf pan

Method
 

Prep & build the meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine seasoned bread crumbs and whole milk, then let sit for 2 minutes so the crumbs absorb the milk.
  3. Add beaten eggs, diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.
  4. Add ground beef and ground pork, and mix gently with your hands just until combined so the loaf stays tender and not dense.
  5. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan or free-form on the baking sheet.
Glaze & bake
  1. Stir together ketchup, packed light brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth, then spread half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
  2. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, until the top begins to set.
  3. Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return to the oven for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the glaze turns caramelized, glossy, and slightly dark at the edges.
Rest & serve
  1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so juices stay inside and you get clean, thick slices.
  2. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for classic Cracker Barrel-style comfort.

Notes

For the juiciest slices, avoid compacting the meat when mixing—stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing is yes: wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-salt breadcrumbs and swap to low-sodium Worcestershire while keeping the same glaze proportions.