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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Irresistible Cracker Barrel Meatloaf for Cozy Family Dinners

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a comforting blend of ground beef, cheddar, and Ritz crackers, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef Lean ground beef preferred
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup Ritz Crackers Crushed; can substitute with saltines or panko
  • ½ cup Milk Unsweetened almond milk is a great alternative
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper Can use red or yellow for sweetness
  • 1 whole Onion Sautéed to enhance flavor
For the Glaze
  • ½ cup Ketchup BBQ sauce can be used for a unique flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a lighter substitute

Equipment

  • Oven
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Loaf Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and green bell pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, sautéed vegetables, milk, ketchup, and balsamic vinegar. Mix gently.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
  5. Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf as a glaze, optionally mixing in some balsamic vinegar.
  6. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Mix gently to keep the meatloaf tender. Customize flavors by experimenting with different cheeses or crackers. Ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe temperature of 160°F (71°C). Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain juices. Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.

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