Description
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This easy recipe combines juicy ground beef, savory vegetables, and a tangy-sweet topping made with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Whether you bake it in the oven or opt for the air fryer method, this meatloaf is sure to impress. Simple ingredients and versatile cooking methods make it a go-to meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained
½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
½ cup ketchup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
Oven Method:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, milk, and black pepper. Stir in crushed Ritz crackers.
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Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, mix together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and mustard for the topping.
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After 30 minutes, remove meatloaf, spread the topping over it, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Method:
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Grease 2 mini loaf pans and line with parchment paper.
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Combine the same ingredients as the oven method and divide the mixture between the mini loaf pans.
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Air fry for 30 minutes.
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While it cooks, prepare the topping. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf and spread the topping.
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Return it to the air fryer for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat, or use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a variation.
For extra flavor, mix in shredded vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes (oven) / 37 minutes (air fryer)
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking (Oven) / Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
