Juicy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Warm memories of hearty family dinners suddenly flood back with each savory slice.

Classic diner-style recipes often seem tricky to replicate at home, but this version breaks that barrier.

Tender ground beef mixed with simple ingredients creates a nostalgic meal anyone can master.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward techniques that deliver maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Packed with rich seasonings and a hint of homestyle charm, this meatloaf promises to become a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when classic comfort food calls.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf to Impress

• Craft Comfort Classics: This meatloaf brings nostalgic restaurant-style flavors directly into your kitchen, recreating the beloved Cracker Barrel experience with simple ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible ingredient substitutions, making it perfect for using pantry staples and adapting to personal taste preferences without complex techniques.
• Speed Up Family Dinner: Minimal prep work and straightforward mixing mean you can have a hearty, delicious main course ready quickly, transforming weeknight cooking into a stress-free experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The sweet and tangy glaze combined with tender meat creates a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the primary structure and flavor of the meatloaf.

• Ritz Crackers, Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and create a moist, tender texture.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth and aromatic qualities to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A sweet and tangy glaze that creates a delicious caramelized exterior.

How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Vessel

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and lightly coat the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meatloaf Mixture

• Ground beef
• Finely diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon until all components are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form and Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared pan.

Gently shape the meat into a classic loaf form, ensuring it’s compact and even.

Step 4: Whip Up Delicious Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Stir until the glaze becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Apply Glossy Glaze

Spread the tangy glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, creating a beautiful, glistening surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal. Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Crush Ritz crackers finely for a smoother, more uniform texture that helps bind the meatloaf perfectly.
• Drain excess moisture from onions and bell peppers to prevent a soggy meatloaf and maintain ideal consistency.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce greasiness while keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Experiment with adding grated cheese or herbs like parsley for extra flavor depth and personalization.

Flavor Variations for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic meatloaf.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives or a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and beans for a meat-free meatloaf.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the meat mixture and glaze for those who enjoy a spicier flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Comfort Family Feast: Serve this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious glaze. The soft potatoes complement the rich meat perfectly.
• Rustic Diner Plate: Pair the meatloaf with roasted green beans and sweet corn for a classic, balanced meal that brings warmth to the dinner table. Colorful vegetables add nutrition and freshness.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into delicious meatloaf sandwiches using toasted bread, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of tangy mayo. Quick, satisfying lunch option that feels like a gourmet treat.
• Cozy Side Companion: Add a simple garden salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the meatloaf's richness. Fresh greens provide a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.

Best Storage Practices for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container for easier portioning.

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. The key is to maintain a similar texture and binding effect in the meatloaf.

• Is it okay to use lean ground beef?

While lean ground beef works, a mix of 80/20 ground beef provides better flavor and moisture. Leaner meats can make the meatloaf dry and less tasty.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

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

You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Tasty Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic comfort straight from American kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 3 large eggs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1.5 cups (180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Topping:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef with finely diced onions, bell peppers, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently form the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, carefully transferring it to a lightly greased baking vessel.
3. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Generously drizzle and spread the prepared glaze across the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Position the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350F (175C), allowing it to roast for approximately 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (70C).
6. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist, tender texture.
7. Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve immediately, garnishing with additional glaze if desired.

Notes

• Crush crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding of meatloaf ingredients.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease while maintaining moisture.
• Substitute gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Optional vegetable additions like grated carrots or zucchini can boost nutrition and keep meatloaf tender.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 431 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 551 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg