Main Dish

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

... from Aunt Sandy's Kitchen

• Serves: 5-6 servings
• Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
• Cooking: 60 minutes

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Y'all, today we're making a meatloaf that tastes better than the one at Cracker Barrel. It's tender, cheesy, well-seasoned, and topped with that sweet tangy glaze that keeps you coming back for seconds. Let's get started!

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chuck
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1½ sleeves)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2-3 cups fresh shredded cheddar cheese

Topping Ingredients

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C.
2. Grease a loaf pan (9 × 5 -inch) with cooking spray or use a baking dish covered with aluminum foil greased with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl add the ground chuck and break it up.
4. Add to the ground chuck the rest of the ingredients from the "Meatloaf Ingredients" list and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add the meatloaf mixture to the greased loaf pan. If you used a baking dish add the meatloaf mixture in the center, and shape it into a loaf.
6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes.
7. While the meatloaf is cooking in a small mixing bowl, combine the "Topping Ingredients" and stir to combine.
8. After 30 minutes are completed remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze topping evenly across the top of the meatloaf.
9. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the meatloaf's internal temperature is at least 160°F (71°C).
10. Remove meatloaf from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing.