Are you looking for a delicious, hearty meal that will please the entire family? If so, you'll want to check out this copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to leave everyone satisfied. Plus, it's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- Our Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is easy to make and packed with flavor that will satisfy the entire family.
- This easy copycat recipe only requires simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- Southern classic comfort food that is perfect for a family meal.
- The buttery ritz crackers add another level of flavor to the meatloaf.
Ingredients
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- lean ground beef
- onion, peeled and diced
- green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- Ritz crackers, crushed any butter cracker will work
- sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- large eggs
- whole milk
- salt
- ground black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze
- ketchup
- light brown sugar
- yellow mustard
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, green pepper, eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix well until everything is combined.
- On the prepared baking pan, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place the baking pan into the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, in a medium mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
- After 30 minutes in the oven, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup glaze all over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf back into the hot oven. Bake for another 40 minutes. The meatloaf will be cooked through and the internal temperature will be 160°F Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve!
Storage
The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight covered container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Freeze the meatloaf in freezer-safe storage bags or containers. The meatloaf can be sliced and frozen. Defrost in the refrigerator, overnight. The meat can also be defrosted in the microwave following the manufacturer's defrosting instructions.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: For best results crush the ritz crackers finely for this best ever meatloaf recipe, you can do this with a food processor or a storage bag and a rolling pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cracker Barrel recipe for meatloaf is made with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, eggs, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
The milk helps to keep the meatloaf moist while it cooks. It also helps to bind the ingredients together.
I always recommend baking this meatloaf recipe with ritz crackers uncovered. This helps the top of the meatloaf form a crust which gives the meatloaf a delicious taste.
Use an internal meat thermometer and insert it into the meat. The meat should be 165°F when cooked through.
If the meat mixture does not have enough binding ingredients such as eggs or breadcrumbs, you can have issues with the mixture not staying together.
Following our directions and ingredients, you should have a lot of success with your Crac meatloaf.
Variations
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lower fat option.
- Add in some chopped mushrooms for more veggies and to add a little extra moisture.
- Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or blue cheese to change up this meatloaf recipe with Ritz crackers.
- Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor to this dish.
- Top with your favorite bbq sauce instead of the meatloaf glaze for a smoky flavor.
- If you are cooking for a smaller number of people, divide the meat mixture into two loaf pans and freeze one for later.
Serving Suggestions
- If you ask me, you can't serve meatloaf without Homemade Mashed Potatoes, and this recipe is simple and delicious.
- Love the instant pot, try our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, so easy, creamy, light, and fluffy.
- Oven Roasted Green Beans are an easy and fresh side dish that pairs well with this dinner.
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the ultimate southern dessert and makes for an excellent way to end this meal.
Similar recipes
- Big Mac Mini Meatloaves are absolutely delicious and a huge hit with everyone.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is hearty, comforting, and makes for an easy weeknight meal.
- Chicken Cornbread Casserole is a flavorful and hearty casserole recipe that the entire family will enjoy.
- Our Chicken, Broccoli Rice Casserole is so easy and a great casserole to make ahead. When I meal plan, I always make one of these.
- Fried Apples is another copycat Cracker Barrel recipe that your whole family is going to love.
- Our Funeral Potatoes are similar to Cracker Barrels recipe but In my opinion, so much tastier.
- If you love copycat recipes, take a look at our growing Copycat Recipe selection.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 ½ sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed any butter cracker will work
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 ½ Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking pan with foil, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix well until everything is combined.
- On the prepared baking pan, form the meat into a loaf shape. Place the baking pan into the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, in a medium mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
- After 30 minutes in the oven, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup glaze all over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf back into the hot oven. Bake for another 40 minutes. The meatloaf will be cooked through and the internal temperature will be 160°F Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve!
