There’s just something about a good homestyle meatloaf that warms my heart and fills my kitchen with love! Growing up, my family had a standing tradition of enjoying meatloaf every Sunday, and the recipe from Cracker Barrel always stood out. It was that perfect blend of savory beef, tangy ketchup, and a hint of thyme that made it irresistible. Trust me, when you take that first bite, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! This meatloaf is not just a meal; it’s a memory-maker, bringing everyone together around the table. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some delicious comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds ground beef, freshly ground for the best flavor
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned for texture
- 1/2 cup milk, whole milk preferred for creaminess
- 1/2 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping if desired
- 1/4 cup chopped onion, finely diced for even distribution
- 2 large eggs, beaten to help bind the meatloaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a bit of kick
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for a subtle depth of flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, because it adds that lovely herbaceous note
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that meatloaf to cook evenly and come out perfectly delicious!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Now, here’s the fun part—use your hands to mix everything together! Don’t be shy; you want to ensure all those flavors blend beautifully. Just be careful not to overmix; we don’t want a tough meatloaf!
- Once your mixture is nice and well-combined, shape it into a loaf. I like to make it a bit taller in the center for that classic meatloaf look. Place it in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. A little tip: you can create a bit of a well in the center for even cooking.
- If you like a little extra sweetness on top, spread some additional ketchup over the meatloaf. It gives it that beautiful glaze as it bakes!
- Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to slice right away—let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals
- Hearty servings—perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or sauces
- Leftovers make for delicious sandwiches or quick meals throughout the week
- Pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your homestyle meatloaf turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to achieve that mouthwatering, Cracker Barrel-inspired flavor:
- Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ground beef with a good fat content (around 80/20) for that juicy, flavorful meatloaf. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, use your hands gently to avoid overmixing. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense loaf instead of a tender one.
- Chill Before Baking: If you have time, let your shaped meatloaf chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it hold its shape better while cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked meatloaf, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (70°C) for safe and juicy meat!
- Resting is Key: Allow your meatloaf to rest for those 10 minutes after baking. This step is crucial for keeping it juicy and making it easier to slice.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add in some chopped bell peppers, Worcestershire sauce, or your favorite spices to give it a personal twist.
- Save the Drippings: If you have any drippings left in the baking dish, don’t toss them! They’re perfect for drizzling over your meatloaf slices or for adding flavor to mashed potatoes.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a meatloaf that’ll have everyone raving about your cooking skills! Enjoy the process and get ready for some delicious bites!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my homestyle meatloaf, I always remind myself that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands I use. So, while I’ve included a general idea of what you might expect per serving, I encourage you to take these numbers with a grain of salt!
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
For the most accurate assessment, I recommend checking the nutrition labels of the ingredients you choose. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving my homestyle meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans for that classic comfort meal. You could also pair it with a fresh garden salad, buttery corn, or even mac and cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers are a wonderful thing! Just let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often find it makes a delicious sandwich the next day!
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Just slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even oats. They’ll add a nice texture and flavor to your meatloaf. Just adjust the amount as needed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my homestyle meatloaf is super easy and it keeps beautifully! Once your meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help lock in all that juicy goodness! You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often find that the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious!
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option too! Just slice the meatloaf into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices in a baking dish, and cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also zap it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to cover it to keep the moisture in, and heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your comforting meatloaf all over again!
Serving Suggestions
Alright, let’s talk about the best part—what to serve alongside that delicious homestyle meatloaf! Trust me, a meal is never complete without a few perfect sides to complement the flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The rich texture just begs to be smothered in gravy or drizzled with the meatloaf’s juices!
- Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a lovely freshness. You can sauté them with a bit of garlic or simply steam them for a light touch.
- Mac and Cheese: If you’re feeling indulgent, a gooey mac and cheese is always a hit! The cheesy goodness pairs so well with the savory meatloaf.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to the table. It’s a great contrast to the hearty meatloaf and adds a pop of color!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil and roast them until caramelized. It’s a delicious way to get your greens!
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread on the side can really take your meal to the next level. It’s slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with the meatloaf.
- Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits are another fantastic option! Slather them with butter and enjoy every bite with your meatloaf.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect plate. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this homestyle meatloaf recipe! Have you tried it? What did you think? Did you add your own special twist? Please share your experiences in the comments below! Your feedback not only warms my heart but also helps fellow home cooks find inspiration. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with your friends and family—let’s spread the love for good food! And don’t forget to check back for more comforting recipes that make your kitchen feel like home. Happy cooking, everyone!
Drucken
Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel’s Comfort Recipe
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel
Zutaten
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf if desired.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 90mg
Keywords: homestyle meatloaf, Cracker Barrel meatloaf, meatloaf recipe
