Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Ohhh, you’re going to love this one 🤎 — Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf is pure, old-fashioned comfort food. It’s tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor — made with Ritz crackers, onions, bell peppers, and a sweet tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. It’s that cozy, homestyle taste you get at the restaurant — but even better at home.Here’s the full copycat recipe 👇

---

🍖 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)

🍽️ Serves:

6–8 people

⏱️ Time:

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr | Rest: 10 min | Total: ~1 hr 25 min

---

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 45 crackers)

• 4 oz (about ½ cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup milk

• 2 Tbsp ketchup

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a bit more tang)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

---

2. Make the meatloaf mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers, milk, and eggs — let sit for 1–2 minutes so the crackers soak up some liquid.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, cheddar, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands or a spoon just until combined (don’t overmix — that makes it tough).

---

3. Shape & bake

1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan or shape it into a loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet.

2. Bake for 45 minutes.

---

4. Add the glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

2. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

3. Return to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is bubbling.

---

5. Rest & serve

• Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing (so it stays juicy).

• Serve with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and green beans for that Cracker Barrel-style meal.

---

💡 Tips & Variations

• For more flavor, sauté the onions and peppers before mixing them in.

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the meat mix for depth.

• Swap half the beef for ground pork for extra tenderness.

• The glaze caramelizes beautifully — broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you like it extra sticky and dark.

---

Would you like me to give you the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Dinner copycat (with their mashed potatoes, gravy, and fried okra sides)? It’s the perfect Southern-style comfort plate.