Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

There's nothing quite like a slice of homestyle meatloaf, especially when it's inspired by the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel's famous recipe. This easy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is packed with savory ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, and just the right blend of seasonings, all topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.

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I first fell in love with this dish during a road trip stop at Cracker Barrel. The rich, tender texture and that irresistible glaze had me hooked! After a few attempts at recreating it, I found the perfect balance of flavors, and now, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Get ready to fall in love with this homemade meatloaf that tastes just like the real thing—maybe even better! It's a foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

First off, this meatloaf is incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table with very little effort.

It’s also packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, buttery Ritz crackers, and sautéed onions and peppers gives it a rich, satisfying taste that sets it apart from traditional meatloaf recipes.

The glaze is next-level delicious. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a tangy-sweet topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It adds the perfect finishing touch!

Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly and makes great leftovers. One batch feeds a family, and any extras taste even better the next day—perfect for sandwiches or quick meals.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf comes from its unique blend of ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect taste and texture.

Ground beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf. A leaner blend can make the loaf too dry, so be sure to choose one with a little fat.

Ritz crackers – Instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe calls for crushed Ritz crackers, which add a slight buttery flavor and help keep the meatloaf tender. If you don’t have Ritz, you can substitute with saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Onion and green bell pepper – These veggies give the meatloaf a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. Be sure to finely chop them so they blend into the meat mixture without being too chunky.

Milk and eggs – This combination helps bind everything together and keeps the meatloaf moist and soft. Whole milk works best, but 2% will also do the trick.

The glaze – A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates the signature sweet-savory topping. For a little extra kick, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.

How To Make This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf is as simple as mixing, shaping, and baking. Let’s walk through each step so you can get perfect results every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, eggs, milk, and seasonings. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or it may become tough.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or pan. Make sure it’s evenly shaped so it cooks evenly.

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before placing it in the oven.

Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and makes it easier to serve.

Storage Options

This Cracker Barrel meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

For the fridge, place cooled meatloaf in an airtight container and store it for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven until heated through.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this meatloaf recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few fun variations to try:

Make it spicy – Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little heat.

Try a different protein – Swap out the beef for ground turkey or ground pork for a slightly different flavor. Just note that turkey tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a bit of extra moisture.

Use barbecue sauce – For a smoky twist, replace the ketchup in the glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the meat.

Cheesy meatloaf – Mix ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture before shaping it into a loaf. The melted cheese adds extra richness and a little gooeyness to every bite.

Make it gluten-free – Substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers, and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

This easy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your favorite variations!

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