Cozy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe That Wows Family

Mouthwatering memories of classic diner Cracker Barrel meatloaf flood my kitchen with nostalgic comfort.

Savory aromas promise a hearty meal that connects generations.

My grandmother’s handwritten recipe inspired this simple yet delicious version.

Comfort food speaks a universal language of warmth and satisfaction.

Families gather around tables, sharing stories between tender, flavorful slices.

Meat, seasonings, and love combine to create something magical.

You’ll want seconds of this irresistible home-style favorite.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Breakdown

• Savor Family Comfort: This classic meatloaf brings nostalgic home-cooked flavors that remind you of grandma's traditional cooking, perfect for gathering loved ones around the dinner table.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, anyone can create this delicious dish without advanced culinary skills or complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Meal: The recipe allows flexible ingredient adjustments like swapping ground beef types or adding personal favorite seasonings, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Main Course: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings, this meatloaf satisfies hearty appetites and delivers a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic comfort dish.

• Crackers, Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide texture and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
• Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy element to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A sweet and tangy glaze that creates a delicious caramelized topping.

Step-by-Step Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your favorite loaf pan or baking sheet and give it a quick spray or rub of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Goodness

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Crushed crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the meat mixture into a beautiful loaf shape and nestle it into your prepared pan.

Step 4: Create Tangy Topping

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Generously spread this sweet and zesty sauce all over the top of your meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160F (71C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

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

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious.

Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Success

• Crush crackers finely for a smoother, more consistent meatloaf texture that binds ingredients perfectly.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh, aromatic twist that elevates the classic meatloaf recipe.
• Rest the meatloaf for exactly 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the same delicious comfort food experience.

Variations for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace crackers with finely chopped cauliflower rice for a gluten-free, lower-carb version that maintains the classic meatloaf texture.
• Turkey Lean Protein Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative that reduces saturated fat content while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf: Substitute ground meat with cooked lentils, adding nutritional yeast and extra spices to create a plant-based version that mimics the original meatloaf's hearty consistency.

Suggested Sides for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this classic meatloaf as the star of your evening meal, surrounded by creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, nostalgic plate.
• Potluck Party Sensation: Slice the meatloaf into neat portions and arrange on a large platter, accompanied by toothpicks for easy grabbing at community gatherings or buffet-style events.
• Leftover Lunch Delight: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches using soft white bread, a smear of extra ketchup sauce, and crisp lettuce for a quick next-day meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cut the cooled meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly, and store in the refrigerator for convenient grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Storage Advice for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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.

• How do crackers help in this meatloaf recipe?

Crushed crackers act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatloaf together and adding texture and subtle flavor.

• Is it necessary to use both bell pepper and onion?

While both add moisture and flavor, you can skip one if you don’t have it or prefer. The meatloaf will still taste great.

• What can I do if I don't have garlic or onion powder?

You can use fresh minced garlic or grated onion as substitutes, or simply omit these seasonings if unavailable.

Homemade Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic American comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine ground beef with finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, crushed crackers, shredded cheese, beaten eggs, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blending all ingredients until well incorporated.
3. Gently form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf, ensuring an even shape without compressing too tightly.
4. Transfer the meatloaf to the prepared pan, creating a uniform surface.
5. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl to create a tangy glaze.
6. Carefully spread the glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, covering the entire surface with a smooth layer.
7. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
8. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
9. Slice into generous portions and serve warm, enjoying the rich, savory flavors of this classic comfort dish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier, lower-fat version that keeps the classic comfort food feel.
• Crush crackers extra fine to create a smoother, more uniform texture that helps bind ingredients perfectly without chunky pieces.
• Add finely diced carrots or zucchini to boost vegetable content and sneak extra nutrients into this family-friendly dish without changing the overall flavor profile.
• Let meatloaf rest longer than 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice stays moist and prevents crumbling when cutting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg