Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bringing back all those cozy memories of family dinners. The blend of ground beef and pork gives it that rich flavor, while the breadcrumbs soak up all the savory goodness. And can we talk about that tangy ketchup topping? Wow! It creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes just perfectly in the oven. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday feast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out tender and juicy. While that oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, here’s where the fun begins! Use your hands (don’t worry, it’s totally worth it!) to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure all those flavors are mingling nicely, but be careful not to overmix. Just until it’s all blended, okay?
Shape the Meatloaf
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. Just grab a clean surface or a baking dish and form the mixture into a loaf shape, about 2 inches high. Place it gently into your baking dish—this is where the magic happens!
Add Topping
Now for my favorite part: the topping! Spread that ½ cup of ketchup right on top of your meatloaf. It’s going to create a beautiful glaze as it bakes, adding that extra layer of deliciousness that we all love!
Baking Instructions
Pop your meatloaf in the oven and bake it for about 1 hour, or until it’s fully cooked through. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Resting and Slicing
Once your meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy. After it’s rested, slice it up and get ready to serve your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, you’re going to fall head over heels for this homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel! First off, it’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and satisfying. The comforting flavors just wrap around you like a warm blanket, and it’s like a nostalgic trip back to family dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for feeding the whole crew—everyone loves a good meatloaf!
And let’s not forget about the leftovers! This meatloaf is incredibly versatile; you can slice it up for sandwiches the next day or even toss it into a pasta sauce for a quick meal. Seriously, this recipe is a total win-win! Each bite is packed with flavor, and you’ll find yourself wanting to make it again and again. Trust me, your family will thank you!
Tips for Success
To get the absolute best out of this homestyle meatloaf, I’ve got a few pro tips that’ll make your cooking experience even smoother and the flavors even better. First off, when it comes to meat selection, I highly recommend using a mix of lean ground beef and ground pork. The beef gives it that classic meatloaf taste, while the pork adds moisture and richness. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Now, let’s talk about seasoning. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste buds—everyone has their preference! If you like a little kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the mix. You can also sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Another tip? Don’t skip the resting time after baking. This step really helps the juices to settle, ensuring every slice is as juicy as possible. And if you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge—they make for fantastic sandwiches or a quick reheat meal the next day! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty meatloaf not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a balanced meal option. Enjoy every comforting bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! While I love the classic combo of ground beef and pork, you can definitely mix it up. Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that these meats can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash more milk or a bit of olive oil to keep it juicy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using a flavored sausage for an extra kick!
How can I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the meatloaf cool down a bit, then slice it and place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or container. It’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy!
What to serve with this meatloaf?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love serving this homestyle meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and some buttery green beans for that classic comfort food combo. You could also go for roasted veggies or a fresh side salad to add a nice crunch. And don’t forget about a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful gravy or ketchup topping. Yum!
Suggested Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel, you’ve got plenty of delicious options to make it a complete meal! My absolute favorite is pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s just something magical about that fluffy, buttery goodness alongside the savory meatloaf. You can even drizzle some of the meatloaf juices on top for an extra flavor boost. Yum!
Another classic side that complements this dish perfectly is buttery green beans. They add a lovely crunch and freshness that balances out the richness of the meatloaf. If you want to jazz them up a bit, toss in some toasted almonds or a sprinkle of lemon juice to brighten things up!
Don’t forget about a warm, crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra ketchup or gravy. And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf. Trust me, whatever you choose, your family will be coming back for seconds! Enjoy!
Z nadrukami
Homestyle Meatloaf Inspired by Cracker Barrel: 7 Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A homestyle meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel’s classic recipe, featuring a blend of meats and savory seasonings.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Uwagi
- Use lean meats for a healthier option.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Leftovers can be used for sandwiches.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 1 hour
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 500mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 12g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: homestyle, meatloaf, Cracker Barrel
