Better than Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This Southern classic comes back to life in my house with buttery Ritz crackers and cheese inside and slathered with a delicious and tangy sauce made of brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. Completely covered with thick strips of bacon and baked to perfection, this meatloaf will surely change any misconceptions you had about this delicious dish! You have to make it. YOU HAVE TO!
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Small mixing bowl (for the sauce)
- 1 large Ziploc bag
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground chuck I don't use deer meat for meatloaf because it's too lean
- 1/2 lb. thick cut bacon Cut the strips in half
- 1 1/2 sleeves of Ritz crackers crushed
- 3 large large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup ketchup for the sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard for the sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for the sauce
Instructions
- First, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them into small breadcrumbs.
- Second, crack the 3 eggs into a large mixing bowl and add the crushed crackers and mix well.
- Third, add 1/2 cup of milk to the crackers and eggs and mix again.
- Next, add the onion powder, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper and combine.
- Then, add the ground beef to the bowl and mix well with your hands.
- Once everything has been mixed really well, place the mixture on the lined baking sheet and form it into a loaf. (Think of the shape of the pan)
- Take your small mixing bowl and add the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup and mix well to make the sauce for the top of your meatloaf.
- Next, spoon your sugar and ketchup sauce all over the meatloaf including all sides.
- Then, take your strips of bacon that have been cut in half and layer them on top of the meatloaf and on all sides as well. (The sauce will help the bacon stick to the meatloaf and not fall off while baking.
- Place the meatloaf into the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes to an hour. (You can always check the internal temperature to make sure it's done. (165 degrees)
- After the meatloaf has baked, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to let the bacon get extra cripsy!
- Finally, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes and then serve with creamy mashed potatoes and rolls!