Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the topping.
5. Apply Topping: Spread the ketchup topping evenly over the surface of the meatloaf.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is nicely browned.
7. Rest and Slice: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
8. Serve: Slice and serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans.

Recipe Intensity:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Baking Technique: Oven Baking

Tips:

• Customize the meatloaf by adding your favorite seasonings or a mix of ground meats.
• For added flavor, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and celery in a pan with a little butter until softened before adding them to the meat mixture.

Enjoy this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that brings the comforting taste of a classic meatloaf to your home!