Delicious Cracker Barrel Loaded Meatloaf Copycat Recipe Easy Dad Dinner Idea
A hearty and flavorful meatloaf packed with sharp cheddar cheese, onions, and a tangy glaze, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup (115 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (75 grams) yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup (90 grams) breadcrumbs (plain, Italian-seasoned, or panko)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup (plus 2 tablespoons for meat mixture)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard to prepare the glaze. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Press half of the meat mixture into the pan, then evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over it.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside.
- Spread the prepared ketchup glaze evenly over the surface of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf. Resting the meatloaf after baking helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and check Worcestershire sauce labels. For low-carb, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and sugar-free ketchup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: meatloaf, Cracker Barrel copycat, loaded meatloaf, easy dinner, family meal, cheddar cheese, comfort food, dad dinner