Go Back
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, Ritz crackers, onions, bell peppers, and a sweet, tangy glaze. This homestyle favorite takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner. The combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato-based glaze gives it the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a complete meal that brings the cozy flavors of a country-style restaurant to your home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery crackers for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, chopped onions, green bell pepper, eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or loaf pan to prevent sticking. Transfer the meat mixture onto the pan and shape it into a loaf, ensuring it is evenly packed to help it hold its shape while baking.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf before placing it in the oven.
  4. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return it to bake for another 10 minutes. This second layer of glaze gives the meatloaf a glossy, flavorful finish.
  5. Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
  • Freezing: Wrap the uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.