🍽️ Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)
This homestyle meatloaf is inspired by the classic served at Cracker Barrel — tender, savory, and topped with a sweet tomato glaze.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Mix
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Onion & bell pepper
- Eggs
- Crushed crackers
- Milk
- Cheese
- Salt & pepper
Mix gently — don’t overwork or it can become dense.
3️⃣ Shape
Form into a loaf shape in a pan or on a lined baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake (First Round)
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Add Glaze
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Spread evenly over meatloaf.
Return to oven and bake 30–40 more minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6️⃣ Rest
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
🍽️ Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Mac & cheese
- Buttermilk biscuits
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Use 80/20 beef for moisture
✔ Finely dice vegetables so they cook evenly
✔ For extra flavor, sauté onions & peppers first
✔ Don’t skip resting time
If you’d like, I can also share:
- A slow cooker version
- A turkey meatloaf version
- Or the Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole to serve alongside 😊
