My love for meatloaf has deep roots from my childhood, and the cravings for this comforting dish strike me quite often. In full transparency, I couldn’t resist making it for dinner last night, pairing it with cheesy grits and sautéed green beans for a wholesome meal.
The appeal of this recipe lies in its comforting and delicious nature, making it a hit with the whole family. The ease of preparation and the superb leftovers are an added bonus that keeps me coming back for more. However, what sets this meatloaf apart from most is its uniqueness, reminiscent of the one I first had at Cracker Barrel. That moment of amazement and sheer happiness upon tasting it for the first time is still fresh in my memory.
I’m already planning for the next time I make this meatloaf, and my heart is set on recreating the full Cracker Barrel experience by serving it with fried apples and hash brown casserole. The combination will undoubtedly make it feel like we’re dining at Cracker Barrel itself, with all its magic and nostalgia.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Cracker Barrel, I highly recommend stopping by if you ever come across one, especially when venturing into the South. The experience is something to cherish, just like this Meatloaf recipe, which I hope you enjoy as much as I do. So, dive into the deliciousness of this comforting classic, and savor the warmth and fond memories it brings to your table.
Ingredients
The Meatloaf
2 lbs. lean ground beef (80/20 is the best for juicy meatloaf)
1 small onion – finely diced
½ cup bell pepper – finely diced (optional)
1½ sleeves of Ritz crackers (48 crackers total) – finely crushed
4 oz. shredded cheese – sharp cheddar or Colby cheese
3 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
The Glaze
½ to ¾ cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. mustard