There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf, perfectly seasoned and topped with a tangy glaze. With this easy copycat recipe, you can bring that same homestyle goodness to your own dinner table.

I first tried recreating this dish after a family trip to Cracker Barrel left everyone raving about their meatloaf. After a few tweaks, I nailed it—complete with the signature sweet and savory glaze. Now, it's a regular request at our house, perfect for weeknights or special family dinners.

Let’s dive in and discover what makes this copycat recipe so special!

Why You'll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This recipe brings the flavor of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf straight to your kitchen without the hassle of dining out. Here’s why it’s going to become your go-to meatloaf recipe:

It’s easy to make. With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dinner ready in no time.
The taste is spot-on. From the perfectly seasoned beef to the glaze that caramelizes just right, it’s an authentic Cracker Barrel experience.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting guests, everyone will love the comforting flavors.
Great for meal prep. This meatloaf holds up beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.

With all these perks, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Ready to get started? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 mix for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can make the loaf dry.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Finely diced onions and green bell peppers add flavor and a bit of texture, mimicking the Cracker Barrel original.
Crushed Crackers: Instead of breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers are the secret ingredient. They add a buttery richness to the meat mixture.
Eggs: These act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together for perfect slices.
Milk: A splash of milk keeps the mixture moist and tender.
Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Mustard: These combine to create the classic Cracker Barrel glaze—sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible.

For tools, all you need is a large mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and a brush for the glaze.

How to Make This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Recreating this meatloaf is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, ½ cup of diced green bell pepper, 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers, 2 large eggs, and ⅓ cup of milk. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly.
Shape and bake. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape it evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Make the glaze. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ½ cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mustard in a small bowl.
Glaze and finish baking. After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze generously over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes, letting the glaze caramelize beautifully.
Rest and serve. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This ensures clean slices and lets the juices redistribute.

Total time: Just over an hour, including prep and baking. Expect a tender, flavorful meatloaf with a sticky, irresistible glaze!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this meatloaf is how well it stores. Whether you’re saving leftovers or making it ahead, here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Frozen slices can be thawed in the fridge overnight and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Switch up the protein: Try ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
Add veggies: Finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini blend in seamlessly and boost nutrition.
Spice it up: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth.
Gluten-free option: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or oats.
Mini meatloaves: Divide the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings that bake faster and are perfect for kids.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and tailor this recipe to your family’s tastes!