Classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homemade Comfort Magic

Comfort meets nostalgia in this delectable cracker barrel meatloaf that promises a hearty meal straight from the heartland.

Memories of classic diner experiences flood back with each savory slice.

Southern cooking traditions shine through this home-style dish crafted with simple ingredients.

Juicy ground beef mingles with rich seasonings, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any dinner table.

Grandma’s secret techniques meet modern kitchen convenience in this straightforward recipe.

Nobody can resist the warm, inviting aroma of perfectly seasoned meatloaf baking in the oven.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: Homestyle Taste You’ll Crave

• Whip Up Nostalgic Comfort: This meatloaf recipe captures classic American home cooking with minimal effort.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prep takes just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: The sweet-tangy glaze and tender meat create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and Ritz crackers makes this recipe wallet-friendly while delivering maximum taste.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation with deep flavor, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for moist meatloaf.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetable mix adding texture and subtle sweetness, finely chop for even distribution.

• Ritz Crackers, Eggs, Milk: Classic binding agents creating tender texture, crackers add light crunch and help hold meatloaf together.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential seasoning blend enhancing overall meat flavor, use fresh ground spices for best taste.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking, creates beautiful golden-brown exterior with rich flavor profile.

How to Recreate Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a large baking pan or loaf dish and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Gently shape into a uniform loaf, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Stir until the glaze becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Spread half of the prepared glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, covering the surface completely.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Final Glaze and Baking

Remove the meatloaf and spread the remaining glaze over the surface.

Return to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Slice and serve hot.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf With Comfort-Cooking Help

• Crush Ritz crackers just before mixing for maximum texture and freshness in your meatloaf.
• Brush glaze in two stages for deeper flavor penetration and caramelized exterior that mimics Cracker Barrel's signature look.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying out the meat.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a lighter protein option that still delivers incredible taste.
• Mix meatloaf ingredients the night before and refrigerate to develop richer, more integrated flavors before baking.

Store Cracker Barrel Meatloaf And Reheat Perfectly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying.
• For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

Great Combos for Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the sweetness of the glaze.
• Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip up smooth, buttery potatoes with a hint of garlic to balance the hearty meatloaf and absorb its delicious glaze.
• Roast Crispy Green Vegetables: Prepare roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with a light olive oil and sea salt seasoning to add fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender meatloaf.
• Bake Warm Cornbread: Whip up a batch of golden, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the savory juices and provide a comforting Southern-style side dish.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat with Easy Comfort Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace Ritz crackers with grated cauliflower or almond flour to reduce carbohydrates and create a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf: Swap ground beef with mashed lentils, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Turkey Meatloaf Makeover: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version while maintaining similar flavor profiles.
• Keto-Friendly Meatloaf: Use ground pork or beef with crushed pork rinds instead of crackers, keeping the same seasoning and glaze for a ketogenic diet-friendly meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for a similar texture and binding effect in the meatloaf.

• Is it okay to use lean ground beef for this recipe?

While you can use lean ground beef, a mix of 80/20 ground beef works best for keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Lean meat might result in a drier meatloaf.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

• What should I do if I don't have brown sugar for the glaze?

You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. If you don’t have those, regular white sugar will also work, though it might slightly change the flavor profile of the glaze.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers pure comfort with classic American flavors that comfort hungry families. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich glaze make this homestyle dish irresistible for weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

Seasoning and Glaze:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef, diced onion, minced bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly until uniform.
2. Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even distribution of spices throughout the blend.
3. Mold the seasoned meat mixture into a classic loaf shape, either directly on a baking sheet or within a prepared loaf pan.
4. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the raw meatloaf, creating an initial layer of flavor and moisture.
6. Place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the initial cooking phase to develop foundational flavors.
7. Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, coating the surface evenly for enhanced caramelization.
8. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, compact texture.
10. Slice and serve the meatloaf, presenting a classic comfort dish with rich, layered flavors.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier meatloaf that doesn’t feel greasy.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, providing consistent texture and binding.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to make the recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive diners.
• For a gluten-free version, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the classic meatloaf structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg