The Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Make Tonight

Meatloaf at Cracker Barrel restaurants has become a legendary comfort dish that sparks nostalgia for many home cooks.

Memories of hearty family dinners flood back with each savory slice.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with classic seasonings to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations have shared this beloved recipe around dinner tables across America.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when prepared with love and attention.

The magic happens when you mix each component with care and patience.

This classic recipe promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy a truly satisfying meal.

Good Pairings With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Elevate Comfort with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve this hearty meatloaf alongside smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors and soak up the delicious glaze.
• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the meatloaf's heaviness with a fresh, zesty green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the richness.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the meatloaf's robust taste and bring out the depth of its meaty, glazed profile.
• Complement with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Add roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or asparagus to provide a caramelized, slightly charred side that adds nutritional value and textural contrast to the meal.

Why Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Is Always A Hit

• Savor Comforting Flavors: This Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers a nostalgic taste of home-style cooking with its rich blend of ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and sweet-tangy glaze that reminds you of family dinners.
• Effortless Preparation Magic: Combining ingredients in one bowl and using simple mix-and-bake techniques makes this recipe incredibly user-friendly for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Delight: The addition of crushed Ritz crackers creates a tender, moist meatloaf with a subtle crunch, while the brown sugar glaze provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: With just 60 minutes of total cooking time and minimal prep work, this meatloaf offers a convenient, hearty meal that can easily feed a hungry family or provide delicious leftovers.

All You Need For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Classic base for a hearty meatloaf, rich in protein and flavor. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.

• Ritz Crackers, Eggs, Whole Milk: Help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture. Crackers provide a subtle crunch and help prevent a dense texture.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Add depth of flavor and subtle sweetness. Fresh vegetables provide texture and balance to the meat mixture.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces a creamy, tangy element to the meatloaf. Sharp cheddar provides more intense flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers more robust flavor.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Yellow Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking. Brown sugar adds a rich, deep sweetness.

How To Cook Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Magic Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Diced green bell peppers
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold everything together with love – don’t go crazy mixing or your meatloaf might turn into a tough brick!

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Scoop the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and sculpt it into a beautiful loaf shape. Aim for about 9-5 inches long – no need to be perfect!

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide your creation into the oven and let it bake for a solid 30 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 5: Create Flavor Explosion Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Yellow mustard

Stir until it’s smooth and gorgeous.

Step 6: Glaze and Enhance

Pull the meatloaf out after 30 minutes and generously paint the top with your flavor-packed glaze. Make sure every inch gets some love!

Step 7: Final Baking Stretch

Pop the meatloaf back in the oven for another 30 minutes. You’re looking for a perfect internal temperature of 160F (70C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve with Joy

Let your masterpiece rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This magical waiting period lets all those delicious juices settle, ensuring each slice is moist and perfect. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tip: Pair with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a complete comfort food experience!

Best Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Preserve Moisture: Mix ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture. Overmixing can cause proteins to become compact and dry.
• Customize Cracker Choice: Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers for different dietary needs. Each option adds unique texture and flavor to the meatloaf.
• Perfect Glazing Technique: Brush glaze evenly for a caramelized, glossy finish. Apply during the last 30 minutes of baking to prevent burning and create a delicious, sticky coating.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F internally. This guarantees food safety while maintaining juicy, flavorful results.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Cover tightly and store for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

How To Store And Reheat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the package with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Drizzle a little broth or ketchup to keep the meat juicy and prevent toughness.

Fun Twists For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Herb Garden Meatloaf: Replace Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs and add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a robust, aromatic flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and add ground cumin and chili powder to create a zesty, bold version.
• Mediterranean-Style Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with a mix of ground lamb and beef, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Mix in sautéed chopped mushrooms, replace cheddar with Swiss cheese, and use a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami depth.

Answers About Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Why use Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs?

Ritz crackers add a buttery, rich flavor and help create a more tender texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs. They also provide a subtle saltiness that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or a lean ground beef-pork mixture works great. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

• What makes this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe special?

The combination of Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and the sweet-tangy glaze sets this meatloaf apart from classic recipes. The glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a delicious caramelized coating that gives the meatloaf its signature flavor.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat while maintaining its juicy texture.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort classics reach new heights with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, a hearty dish that blends savory ground beef, sweet ketchup glaze, and homestyle seasonings. Home cooks will love this simple yet satisfying recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables across America.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Protect your baking surface with parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground beef with finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, whisked eggs, and whole milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Gently fold ingredients until just incorporated, taking care not to compress the mixture excessively.
3. Mold the meat blend into a rustic loaf shape, approximately 9-5 inches long, ensuring an even distribution on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Slide the uncoated meatloaf into the preheated oven and allow it to roast for a half-hour, developing rich internal flavors.
5. Simultaneously, craft a vibrant glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until the mixture achieves a harmonious, glossy consistency.
6. After the initial roasting period, extract the meatloaf and lavishly brush the surface with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven, continuing the cooking process for an additional 30 minutes. Monitor the internal temperature, which should reach 160F (70C) for optimal food safety.
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and permit the meatloaf to rest momentarily. This crucial pause allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a succulent dining experience. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Protect your hands by wearing food-safe gloves when mixing ingredients to prevent overworking the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Choose lean ground beef around 85/15 or 90/10 fat content for a juicier texture without excessive greasiness, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, maintaining the recipe’s classic crumbly texture.
• Enhance the meatloaf’s nutrition by adding finely grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture, which boosts vegetable intake without compromising the traditional taste and helps keep the meat moist.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg