The Homemade Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Love

Craving a hearty home-style meatloaf that brings comfort and nostalgia right to your dinner table?

Memories of classic diner meals come flooding back with this copycat Cracker Barrel creation.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with savory seasonings and a rich glaze that makes every bite memorable.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Traditional recipes often feel intimidating, but this version breaks down each step into manageable instructions.

Fragrant and satisfying, this meatloaf will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when nothing beats a warm, classic dish that reminds you of childhood dinners.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Uncovered

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel meatloaf with simple ingredients that everyone in the family will adore.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine all ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and let the oven do the magic with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or when you crave a hearty, classic dish that satisfies meat lovers and picky eaters alike.
• Quick Crowd-Warmer: The homemade glaze adds a sweet and tangy twist that elevates this traditional meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the classic meatloaf that provides rich texture and hearty taste.

• Eggs: Help bind the meatloaf ingredients together and create a cohesive texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf tender and soft.
• Crushed Ritz Crackers: Serve as a classic binding agent that adds subtle buttery flavor and helps hold the meatloaf together.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Provide fresh vegetable notes and aromatic depth to the meatloaf.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces a tangy and rich cheese flavor that complements the meat.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Create a balanced seasoning profile that enhances the overall taste.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Combine to make a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, adding a delicious finishing touch.

How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F and get your loaf pan ready by giving it a light grease or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Eggs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Gently mix everything together, but don’t go crazy – you want it combined, not beaten to death.

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Slide the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly to create a perfect loaf shape.

Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this sweet and tangy glaze all over the top of your meatloaf, making sure it’s covered edge to edge.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the meatloaf into the oven and let it bake for about an hour.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your meatloaf take a quick 10-minute break before slicing.

This helps it hold together and lets the flavors settle.

Serve it up warm and watch everyone dig in!

Tips for Copycat Meatloaf Excellence

• Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to prevent soggy meatloaf and ensure a firmer texture.
• Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely for better binding and a more consistent texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Brush glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning and create a perfect caramelized top.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 160F internal temperature for safe and juicy meatloaf.

Variations on Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Edition: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for texture and moisture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers. Reduce ketchup in the glaze and replace brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add cumin and chili powder to the meat mixture. Replace ketchup glaze with a chipotle-based sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Copycat Meatloaf

• Comfort Classic Sidekicks: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich, savory meatloaf perfectly, soaking up the delicious glaze.
• Veggie Harmony: Roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots add bright color and fresh flavor that balance the hearty meat dish.
• Bread Buddies: Warm buttermilk biscuits or soft dinner rolls work wonderfully for mopping up extra sauce and creating a complete meal experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve family-style on a large platter with the meatloaf sliced and surrounded by colorful vegetable sides for a welcoming, home-cooked presentation.

Storage Advice for Copycat Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• What if I don't have Ritz crackers?

You can replace Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers as a binding agent for the meatloaf.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings and cheesy texture make this meatloaf appealing to children and adults alike, and it’s an easy way to include vegetables in the dish.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf delivers hearty comfort from Southern kitchens to dinner tables. Home cooks can quickly recreate this savory dish with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation you’ll enjoy sharing with family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
3. Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, using gentle pressure to create an even, compact layer.
4. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
5. Drizzle and spread the glaze evenly across the surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
8. Slice into generous portions and serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a dense, tough texture that can make the meatloaf less tender and juicy.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version that maintains the original recipe’s delicious flavor profile.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while keeping the meatloaf moist and preventing a greasy final dish.
• Enhance nutrition by adding finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture, which blends seamlessly and boosts vegetable intake without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 504 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 755 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg