Cracker Barrel Meat Loaf is a beloved classic American dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here's the complete recipe, including the required ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it even tastier. I'll also provide some variations to make different versions.
**Original Cracker Barrel Meat Loaf Recipe:**
Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl.
6. After the meatloaf has baked for 30-35 minutes, brush the glaze all over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips for making Cracker Barrel Meat Loaf tastier:**
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh ground beef, real cheddar cheese, and ripe onions will elevate the flavor of your meatloaf.
2. Don't overmix the meat mixture: Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a cohesive mass. Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry meatloaf.
3. Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.
4. Don't overbake: A meatloaf can quickly become dry and overcooked. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and adjust the baking time as needed.
5. Add aromatics: Onions, garlic, and spices like paprika or cumin can add depth and complexity to the meatloaf.
**Variations:**
1. **Bacon Ranch Meat Loaf:** Add 4-6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, and 1/4 cup of ranch seasoning to the meat mixture.
2. **Italian-Style Meat Loaf:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
3. **Spicy Meat Loaf:** Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the meat mixture and a sprinkle of cumin on top of the glaze.
4. **Korean-Style Meat Loaf:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of crumbled kimchi, and a drizzle of soy sauce to the meat mixture.
5. **Mushroom-Stuffed Meat Loaf:** Stuff the meatloaf with sautéed mushrooms and onions before baking.
These variations will give you a starting point to create your own unique Cracker Barrel Meat Loaf recipe. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combination!
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