Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feast
This Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feast is perfect for feeding a crowd! With a rich blend of lean ground beef, vegetables, and a unique mix of seasonings, this flavorful meatloaf will surely satisfy even the hungriest of guests. The addition of diced tomatoes and cracker crumbs creates a moist and tender loaf that's easy to serve and enjoy. Topped with a zesty ketchup glaze, this classic comfort dish will evoke the warm, inviting feeling of a southern homestyle meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a neighborhood potluck, this recipe makes for a delightful centerpiece that everyone will love.
42
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
10 lbs (none)
onions
2 lbs (chopped ¼ inch dice)
green bell pepper
1 lb (diced small)
eggs
10 (lightly beaten)
salt
5 tablespoons (none)
pepper
1 ½ tablespoons (none)
canned diced tomatoes
1 ½ quarts (none)
cracker crumbs
2 ¼ cups (none)
ketchup
1 ½ cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, chopped onions, diced green bell pepper, lightly beaten eggs, salt, pepper, canned diced tomatoes, cracker crumbs, and ketchup.
3
Using your hands or a large spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
4
Divide the mixture evenly into three large loaf pans, pressing down firmly with a spoon to shape the loaves.
5
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
6
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven, carefully invert each loaf onto an 8-inch wire rack to drain excess grease and juice.
7
Spread ½ cup of ketchup over the top of each loaf for a delicious glaze.
8
For a fun twist, try substituting the ketchup with Banana Ketchup, using the Recipezaar recipe ID# 24945.
9
Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly before cutting into 5 to 6-ounce portions. If serving immediately, keep warm.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
13g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Feast?
This is a flavorful meatloaf recipe featuring lean ground beef, vegetables, and a zesty ketchup glaze, designed to evoke southern homestyle cooking.
How many people does this meatloaf recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 42 people, making it ideal for large gatherings or potlucks.
How much ground beef is required for this feast?
The recipe requires 10 lbs of lean ground beef.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this meatloaf?
Each serving contains 11 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each portion?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size should the meatloaf portions be?
The meatloaf should be cut into 5 to 6-ounce portions.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 10 lightly beaten eggs.
What type of cracker crumbs should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of cracker crumbs to act as a binder and create a tender loaf.
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
The meatloaf should bake for 60 minutes or until it is cooked through.
What vegetables are included in the meatloaf?
The recipe includes 2 lbs of chopped onions and 1 lb of small diced green bell pepper.
How should the onions be prepared?
Onions should be chopped into a 1/4 inch dice.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the mix?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 quarts of canned diced tomatoes.
How much salt is added to the 10 lbs of beef?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of salt.
How much pepper is used for seasoning?
You should add 1 1/2 tablespoons of pepper.
How many loaf pans are required?
The mixture should be divided evenly into three large loaf pans.
What is used for the meatloaf glaze?
The glaze consists of 1/2 cup of ketchup spread over the top of each loaf.
Is there an alternative to regular ketchup for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute regular ketchup with Banana Ketchup for a fun twist.
How do you drain the excess grease from the meatloaf?
Carefully invert each loaf onto an 8-inch wire rack after baking to drain juice and grease.
Should the meatloaf rest before serving?
Yes, you should allow the meatloaf to rest briefly before cutting to ensure it stays together.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory, southern-style comfort food with a balance of beef, tangy tomatoes, and a zesty glaze.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this meatloaf feast.
Can I use this recipe for a neighborhood potluck?
Yes, it is highly recommended for potlucks and large family gatherings.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
Use your hands or a large spoon to mix the beef, vegetables, eggs, and seasonings in a very large bowl until well combined.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include meatloaf, southern cuisine, comfort food, large crowd, and easy cooking.
Does the recipe provide instructions for serving immediately?
If serving immediately, the recipe suggests keeping the meatloaf warm after resting.
What is the total amount of ketchup used?
The recipe lists 1 1/2 cups of ketchup total for the mixture and glaze.
How should the green bell pepper be diced?
The green bell pepper should be diced small.