Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

🛒 Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

Glaze:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Soak Breadcrumbs:
   In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak.
3. Mix Meatloaf:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix — it keeps the meatloaf tender).
4. Shape and Bake:
   Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or place into a loaf pan.
5. Prepare Glaze:
   Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a bowl.
6. Bake & Glaze:
   Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake another 15-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
7. Rest & Serve:
   Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.