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Warm Your Heart with a Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Autumn

Warm Your Heart with a Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Autumn

Published on Oct 18, 2024

Ah, autumn—the season of cozy sweaters, vibrant foliage, and comforting, heartwarming meals!

As the weather cools and the air turns crisp, nothing quite beats gathering around the table with loved ones to share a wholesome, delicious dish. One such dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of autumn is the Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf. It's classic, comforting, and hearty, making it an ideal meal for fall.

If you've ever had the pleasure of dining at Cracker Barrel, you know their meatloaf is something special. Its rich, savory flavors paired with a sweet and tangy glaze make it an instant favorite. But what if you could recreate this cozy restaurant experience in the comfort of your own kitchen? Today, I’m sharing an easy, step-by-step guide to making Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf at home, turning it into an autumn harvest treat. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a cozy fall dinner party, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let's dive into the details so you can create a scrumptious meatloaf that's sure to become a fall staple in your household.

Ingredients

Let’s begin by gathering everything we need for this fall-inspired Cracker Barrel meatloaf. These are simple, pantry-staple ingredients, but together they create magic on a plate.

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs of ground beef – The star of the show, ground beef gives the meatloaf its hearty texture.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and moisture, ensuring every bite is savory and delicious.
1/2 cup of milk – Helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
2 large eggs – Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
1 cup of breadcrumbs – These give structure to the meatloaf while absorbing the flavors from the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce – For that deep umami flavor, which enhances the richness of the meat.
1 teaspoon of salt – To bring out all the flavors in the meatloaf.
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper – A touch of spice for balance.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup of ketchup – The base of our sweet and tangy glaze.
2 tablespoons of brown sugar – This adds sweetness, balancing out the savory notes in the meatloaf.
1 tablespoon of mustard – For a little kick and tang, which elevates the flavor profile of the topping.

Cooking Guide

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking. The beauty of this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is that it’s incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meatloaf ready to serve in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. You want it to be just blended, with all the ingredients evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf Grease a loaf pan (9x5 inches is ideal) with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and gently press it down to shape it into a loaf. Don’t compact it too tightly—keeping it light will help it cook evenly and stay moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. This will form the irresistible glaze that goes on top of the meatloaf, adding a sweet and tangy finish to the savory meat.
Step 5: Add the Topping Evenly spread the ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Be generous here, as the glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving your meatloaf a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
Step 6: Bake Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through. You’ll want to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure the meatloaf is safe to eat. The top should be slightly caramelized, and the juices should run clear.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring every slice is tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic fall sides. Consider serving it with:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the savory meatloaf. Add a dash of garlic or rosemary for an extra fall twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, add a wonderful texture and burst of autumn color to your plate.
Green Beans or a Crisp Salad: For a fresh contrast, serve with sautéed green beans or a light, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette.

For dessert, why not go full autumn with a slice of pumpkin pie or warm apple crisp?

Nutrition

Knowing the nutritional value of your meal is always helpful, especially if you’re mindful of your intake during the cooler months when comfort foods abound. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information for this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the fat content of your ground beef.
Protein: Each serving contains about 25-30 grams of protein, thanks to the ground beef and eggs.
Fat: The meatloaf has about 20-25 grams of fat per serving, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats from the beef and milk.
Carbohydrates: This recipe includes around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mostly coming from the breadcrumbs and the sweet glaze.
Fiber: Minimal fiber, around 1-2 grams per serving, primarily from the breadcrumbs and any veggies you might serve it with.

Remember, you can make this recipe a bit lighter by opting for lean ground beef (such as 90% lean), using reduced-sugar ketchup, or swapping the breadcrumbs for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Total Cook Time

One of the great things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require hours of labor in the kitchen. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes total, which includes both prep and bake time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 10 minutes (optional but recommended)

This makes it a fantastic option for a cozy Sunday dinner or even a weeknight meal if you do some prep work in advance. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.

Serving Size

This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf recipe yields 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, don’t worry! The leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to store the meatloaf in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and moisture.

Pro Tip: To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also add a little extra ketchup glaze on top before reheating for added moisture and flavor.

Autumn Harvest Variations

Want to give this classic meatloaf recipe an even more autumnal twist? Here are a few ideas to make this dish truly reflect the harvest season:

Add Seasonal Veggies: Mix in some finely grated carrots, zucchini, or even shredded sweet potato to the meatloaf mixture. These vegetables not only add nutrition but also help keep the meatloaf moist.
Applewood Smoked Bacon: For an extra smoky, autumnal flavor, try wrapping the meatloaf in thin slices of applewood smoked bacon before baking. It adds a touch of luxury and deepens the flavor.
Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ketchup glaze for a warm, spiced twist that screams fall.

As the days get shorter and the leaves turn shades of amber, gold, and crimson, this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is sure to warm both your kitchen and your soul. It’s the ultimate comfort food for autumn—rich, flavorful, and satisfying, with that perfect balance of savory and sweet.

The Bottom Lines

So, next time you’re craving a little cozy magic, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to this classic dish. It’s a recipe that brings people together, just like the best fall memories do. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!