This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the classic flavors of the beloved restaurant right to your kitchen. Made with a mix of ground turkey and beef, seasoned with an array of spices, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, this meatloaf is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

For meatloaf fans, try our Greek Spinach & Feta Meatloaf for a Mediterranean twist. If you love bacon, don’t miss our Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf. Or, switch things up with Tex-Mex Meatloaf Burritos .

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Flavorful: The combination of spices and the rich glaze create a deeply flavorful meatloaf.
• Comfort Food: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, reminiscent of home-cooked meals.
• Versatile: You can cook one loaf now and freeze the other for a quick meal later.
• Easy Preparation: Using the crockpot makes this recipe convenient and hands-off, perfect for busy days.

Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf

• 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound ground beef
• 7.5 ounces tomato sauce (half of a 15-ounce can)
• 1 cup quick-cook oats
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 of a 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Preparing the Meatloaf

1. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few moments so that the milk is absorbed into the breadcrumbs.
2. Combine Ingredients: To the breadcrumb/milk mixture, add the ground turkey, ground beef, tomato sauce, oats, eggs, black pepper, sea salt, celery salt, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use gloved hands to mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
3. Form Loaves: Divide the meat mixture in half and form into two loaves. You can cook both now if they will fit in your crockpot or freeze one loaf for cooking later.

Cooking the Meatloaf

1. Prepare Crockpot: Place one loaf into the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Make Glaze: Whisk together the ketchup, remaining tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, sea salt, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add Glaze: Pour half of the glaze over the loaf (or all of the glaze if you are cooking both loaves).
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf registers 165°F.

Serving

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with the sauce from the crockpot. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Variations

• Cheesy Meatloaf: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Meatloaf: Increase the chili powder or add some red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
• Vegetable Packed: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added nutrition.

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Crockpot
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Knife

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the uncooked meatloaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
• Green Beans: Serve with steamed or roasted green beans for a healthy side.
• Dinner Rolls: Freshly baked rolls are great for soaking up the delicious glaze.

Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Mixing: Use your hands to mix the meatloaf ingredients to ensure everything is well combined.
• Cooking Time: Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Resting: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it moist and flavorful.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

FAQ

Can I use all beef instead of a mix of turkey and beef? Yes, you can use all beef if you prefer. The combination of turkey and beef adds a nice texture and flavor balance.

Can I make this meatloaf in the oven instead of a crockpot? Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian-style? Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work fine. You may want to add some Italian seasoning if you do.

Yield: 8

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Print

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, perfect for any family dinner or special occasion

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• Meatloaf:
• 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound ground beef
• 7.5 ounces tomato sauce (half of a 15-ounce can)
• 1 cup quick-cook oats
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh Italian parsley for garnish
• Glaze:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 of a 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Soak Breadcrumbs: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few moments so that the milk is absorbed into the breadcrumbs.

Combine Ingredients: To the breadcrumb/milk mixture, add the ground turkey, ground beef, tomato sauce, oats, eggs, black pepper, sea salt, celery salt, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use gloved hands to mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Form Loaves: Divide the meat mixture in half and form into two loaves. You can cook both now if they will fit in your crockpot or freeze one loaf for cooking later.

Prepare Crockpot: Place one loaf into the bottom of the crockpot.

Make Glaze: Whisk together the ketchup, remaining tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, sea salt, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water until fully combined and smooth.

Add Glaze: Pour half of the glaze over the loaf (or all of the glaze if you are cooking both loaves).

Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf registers 165°F.

Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with the sauce from the crockpot. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley.

Notes

Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 25g

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