Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

There's nothing like the comforting, homey flavors of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf to make your dinner table feel extra special. This copycat recipe delivers all the hearty, savory goodness you love, with tender, juicy meat seasoned to perfection and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze.

The first time I made this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly my family fell in love with it. It’s the perfect dish for Sunday dinners or weeknight meals when you’re craving something truly satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can recreate this classic dish at home.

Why You'll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible meatloaf! It's the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a comforting, memorable meal.

First, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and no fancy techniques required, it's perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Second, the taste is spot-on. The combination of juicy beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a sweet, tangy glaze makes every bite feel like a hug on a plate.

Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly dinner option. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you can serve a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this meatloaf is guaranteed to deliver. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe shine!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe lies in its well-balanced ingredients that work together to create a classic flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best combination of flavor and moisture. Leaner blends might result in a drier loaf.
• Bell Peppers and Onions: These veggies add subtle sweetness and texture, making the meatloaf more flavorful and less dense.
• Crushed Ritz Crackers: This is the secret ingredient! Ritz crackers replace breadcrumbs for a buttery, tender texture in the meatloaf.
• Milk: Helps moisten the cracker crumbs and keep the loaf juicy.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together beautifully.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Mustard: These ingredients form the tangy-sweet glaze that makes this meatloaf so iconic.

Special Equipment

While no special tools are required, a loaf pan helps shape the meatloaf evenly, and a meat thermometer ensures it’s cooked to perfection.

How To Make This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this meatloaf is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
   Dice 1 small onion and ½ a green bell pepper finely. Sauté them in a bit of butter until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Let them cool.
3. Mix the Meatloaf
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of milk, and the sautéed vegetables. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape and Bake
   Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Add the Glaze
   While the meatloaf bakes, mix together ½ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the partially baked meatloaf.
6. Finish Baking
   Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Storage Options

This meatloaf is a great make-ahead dish, and leftovers taste just as good, if not better!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave, or cover the whole loaf with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your preferences:

• Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! No matter how you customize it, this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is sure to please.

Enjoy a taste of comfort, right at home!

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