Juicy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe That Wows

Cracker Barrel meatloaf has been my go-to comfort dish since childhood.

Memories of savory, tender slices flood back with each bite.

Families across America adore this classic recipe for its hearty flavor and simple ingredients.

Home cooks can recreate the restaurant’s beloved dish with just a few pantry staples.

My secret?

Using a perfect blend of ground beef and seasonings that guarantee rich, moist results.

Mixing ingredients carefully ensures a delightful texture that melts in you.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Overview

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Tackle this pasta dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust heat levels by controlling red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for mild or spicy flavor preferences across different palates.
• Restaurant-Quality Indulgence: Transform simple ingredients into a luxurious restaurant-style meal that impresses family and guests without complex culinary techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals, this creamy vodka pasta suits multiple dining occasions with its rich, satisfying flavor profile.

Ingredients For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatloaf.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf.
• Ritz Crackers: Crispy crackers that help bind the ingredients and add a subtle buttery texture.
• Eggs, Milk: Ingredients that help hold the meatloaf together and keep it moist.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A tangy and sweet glaze that caramelizes and adds a delicious coating to the meatloaf.

Preparation Guide For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your meatloaf will cook evenly and develop a delicious golden exterior.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Finely chopped onion
• Diced green bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Eggs
• Milk
• Shredded cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything together until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Shape and Position the Loaf

Gently form the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape.

Transfer the loaf to a greased baking dish, ensuring it’s centered and has room to cook evenly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Stir until the ingredients create a smooth, glossy coating.

Spread this zesty glaze generously over the entire surface of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let the meatloaf cook for approximately 60 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Slice and serve hot.

Cooking Insights For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure even distribution and a uniform texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent excess grease while maintaining moisture and flavor.
• Allow meatloaf to rest after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier without falling apart.
• Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version of this classic comfort dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add unique flavor dimensions to the meatloaf.

Flavor Variations For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace bell peppers with diced jalapeños, add chili powder, and swap ketchup glaze for a chipotle-honey sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Mix in feta cheese, chopped oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Top with a light tzatziki drizzle instead of traditional glaze.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Substitute Ritz crackers with grated cauliflower, add extra cheese for binding, and keep the original glaze recipe.
• Turkey Ranch Meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of beef, incorporate ranch seasoning mix, and garnish with fresh chives for a lighter version.

Pairing Ideas For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this classic meatloaf as the star of your evening meal, surrounded by creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, nostalgic plate that brings everyone together.
• Picnic-Perfect Sliced Delight: Pack cold meatloaf slices between soft bread for an incredible sandwich that's perfect for outdoor lunches, picnics, or quick work-day meals with a tangy mustard spread.
• Leftover Remix Magic: Transform remaining meatloaf into a delicious hash by dicing and sautéing with potatoes and onions, topped with a fried egg for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option that gives new life to yesterday's dinner.

Proper Storage For Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Slice the cooled meatloaf and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meatloaf in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is Ritz crackers essential for this recipe?

Ritz crackers add a unique texture and subtle buttery flavor. If unavailable, breadcrumbs can be a suitable substitute.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey or a mixture of ground meats for variety while maintaining similar cooking instructions.

• Why add cheese to meatloaf?

Shredded cheese provides extra moisture and richness, creating a more flavorful and tender meatloaf. It helps prevent the meat from becoming dry during baking.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160F/71C. This ensures the meat is safely cooked and prevents undercooking.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings homestyle comfort to dinner tables across America. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze create a classic comfort meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed Ritz crackers
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) milk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) chopped onion
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) chopped green bell pepper
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by lightly coating it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine ground beef with finely diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, crumbled Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, and milk until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring uniform blending without overmixing.
4. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf shape, positioning it centrally in the prepared baking dish.
5. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and cook for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
9. Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the meatloaf.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding of the meat mixture.
• Replace milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Try ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic meatloaf texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 478
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 665 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg