The Secret to Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Magic

My grandma’s favorite comfort meal, Cracker Barrel meatloaf, always brings warmth to our family table.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each savory slice.

Classic ingredients blend perfectly to create a hearty dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Homemade goodness shines through in every bite of this traditional recipe.

Tender meat and rich seasonings promise a satisfying dinner that everyone will request again.

We love how simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

Come cook with me and discover why this meatloaf has been a cherished recipe for generations.

Variations Of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Cracker Crush: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic meatloaf.
• Veggie Boost: Add grated carrots or zucchini to increase vegetable content and enhance nutritional value of the meatloaf.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.

Sides To Serve With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination that feels like a warm hug.
• Weeknight Meal Magic: Slice the meatloaf and serve between soft bread slices with crisp lettuce and extra glaze for an incredible sandwich that transforms leftovers into a delicious lunch.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a rustic family dinner by placing the whole meatloaf in the center of the table with roasted green beans and buttery corn on the side, letting everyone dig in and share.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cut cooled meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for quick weeknight meals that can be reheated and enjoyed with minimal effort.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn if freezing.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 2-3 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Reheat refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for a similar texture and binding effect.

• Is it necessary to use both ground beef and milk in the recipe?

Milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender, while ground beef provides the primary protein base. Both ingredients are crucial for the classic Cracker Barrel meatloaf texture.

• How can I tell if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F, which ensures the ground beef is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf That Brings Comfort

• Craft Comfort Classics: Dive into a beloved American dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine everyday ingredients with minimal prep work, creating a delicious meal that comes together quickly and easily.
• Delight Family Taste Buds: The sweet and tangy glaze plus the savory meat mixture make this recipe a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love equally.
• Customize with Ease: Swap Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.

Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the primary structure of the meatloaf.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Add crunch and help absorb moisture for a tender meatloaf texture.
• Milk: Keeps the meat mixture moist and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide fresh, sharp flavor and add moisture to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking and adds a delicious finish to the meatloaf.

How To Bake Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a loaf pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon to blend everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan.

Gently shape it into a classic loaf form, ensuring the top is smooth and even.

Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Stir until the glaze is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze

Pour and spread the glossy glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, creating a beautiful caramelized coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal. Slice and serve hot.

Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Success

• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure a smooth, even texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Let the meatloaf rest completely before slicing to help it hold its shape and retain moisture.
• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor in the meat mixture.

Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe delivers classic comfort with ground beef, tangy sauce, and hearty flavors. Home cooks can easily recreate this beloved dish, enjoying a nostalgic meal that brings warmth to family dinners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Create a cozy workspace and gather all ingredients for this homestyle classic.
2. Gently combine ground beef with finely diced onion, bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
3. Mold the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, carefully transferring it to a lightly greased loaf pan.
4. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and well-blended.
5. Generously coat the entire surface of the meatloaf with the prepared glaze, creating an appetizing golden-brown topping.
6. Position the pan in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
8. Slice into hearty portions and serve hot, presenting a comforting meal that promises to delight family and friends.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content to ensure a moist, flavorful meatloaf without excess grease.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to create a uniform texture and help bind the ingredients together effectively.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf; gently combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• Customize the glaze by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg