There's nothing quite like the hearty comfort of Cracker Barrel's famous meatloaf. The savory aroma of seasoned ground beef, sweet glaze, and tender texture make it a true classic. This easy copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors you love, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
I discovered this recipe while trying to recreate my favorite restaurant meal for a cozy family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this homemade meatloaf.
Why You'll Love This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to make a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf brings the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and convenience to your table.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll have dinner prepped and in the oven in no time.
Second, it’s a budget-friendly way to feed the whole family. Using ground beef and simple add-ins, you can whip up a hearty main course without breaking the bank.
Third, it’s irresistibly delicious. The combination of savory beef, a hint of sweetness in the glaze, and the tender texture ensures every bite is pure comfort food bliss.
Finally, this recipe is highly versatile. Whether you want to mix in additional vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the glaze to suit your taste, this meatloaf adapts beautifully.
Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
Ingredients Notes
The key to replicating Cracker Barrel’s iconic meatloaf lies in the careful selection of ingredients. Each one adds depth, flavor, or texture to the final dish.
Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef may result in a drier meatloaf.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: These replace breadcrumbs for a buttery, slightly sweet crumb that enhances the texture. Crush them finely for even mixing.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The cheese adds a subtle richness and binds the ingredients together. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
Ketchup and Brown Sugar Glaze: The classic topping combines tangy and sweet flavors, caramelizing beautifully in the oven. Adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
Diced Onions and Bell Peppers: These bring a hint of sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the meat. Finely dice them to ensure even cooking.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like eggs, milk, and seasonings to round out the flavor. A loaf pan is helpful for shaping but not essential—free-form works too!
How To Make This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Making this meatloaf is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that rivals the original.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a loaf pan or baking sheet. While the oven heats, prepare your meatloaf mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and bell peppers. Add the eggs, milk, and seasonings. Using clean hands, gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or directly on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and brown sugar to create the glaze. Spread half of it evenly over the meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, then remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve it warm with your favorite sides for a true Cracker Barrel-inspired meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this meatloaf are just as delicious as the freshly baked dish. Here’s how to store and reheat it for future meals.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the meatloaf cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
For longer storage, slice the meatloaf into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slices in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats in place of the Ritz crackers.
Experiment with flavors by mixing in herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for another variety, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
For a veggie-packed version, increase the amount of diced onions and bell peppers or add grated carrots and zucchini to the mix.
Feel free to personalize the glaze by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of chili powder for a smoky kick.
This easy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is a surefire hit, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself. Enjoy experimenting and savoring every delicious bite!
PrintEasy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
This easy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe brings restaurant-style comfort food to your table. Packed with ground beef, seasonings, and a sweet glaze, it's the perfect weeknight dinner. Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it a breeze to recreate at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- For the glaze: ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well but don’t overwork.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, mustard) and spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease.
- You can substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
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