Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel's famous meatloaf—tender, juicy, and packed with homestyle flavor. The perfect blend of ground beef, vegetables, and a tangy glaze makes this dish a true family favorite.

I first fell in love with this meatloaf on a road trip when we made a pit stop at Cracker Barrel. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors instantly won me over, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After plenty of trial and error, I finally nailed the perfect copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe—and now, I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

If you're a fan of classic comfort food, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s got everything you love about the restaurant version—moist texture, rich flavor, and that irresistible glaze—without the need for a road trip!

First, it’s super easy to make. You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy techniques required!

Second, this meatloaf stays incredibly moist thanks to an unexpected ingredient—Ritz crackers! Instead of breadcrumbs, crushed buttery crackers give this meatloaf a soft texture and rich flavor.

Third, the glaze is out of this world. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a sticky, slightly tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s the secret to that signature Cracker Barrel taste.

Finally, it’s great for leftovers. This meatloaf tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Slice it up for sandwiches or reheat it for an easy dinner later in the week!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create big, bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of moisture and flavor. Leaner beef can result in a dry meatloaf.
• Ritz crackers – Instead of breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that makes this meatloaf extra special.
• Onion & green bell pepper – These add a subtle sweetness and texture to the meatloaf, just like in the original recipe.
• Eggs – Help bind the meat together so the loaf holds its shape.
• Milk – Adds moisture, keeping the meatloaf soft and tender.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – This is a Cracker Barrel secret ingredient! It melts into the meatloaf, adding an extra layer of richness.
• Salt, black pepper, & garlic powder – Simple seasonings that enhance the savory flavors of the meat.

For the glaze, you’ll need:

• Ketchup – The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and tang.
• Brown sugar – Helps caramelize the glaze into a sticky, flavorful topping.
• Yellow mustard – Adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.

Special Equipment: You’ll need a loaf pan to shape the meatloaf and a rimmed baking sheet if you prefer baking it free-form. A meat thermometer is also handy to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.

How To Make This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this homemade Cracker Barrel meatloaf is incredibly simple! Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form loaf.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, diced onion, bell pepper, eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatloaf may turn out tough!

3. Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. Press it down gently to form an even shape so it cooks evenly.

4. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, saving the rest for later.

5. Bake

Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove it, spread the remaining glaze on top, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides!

Storage Options

This Cracker Barrel meatloaf is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This meatloaf recipe is super customizable! Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Use a different cracker or breadcrumb – If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try saltines, panko, or regular breadcrumbs for a similar texture.
• Try a different cheese – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or even smoked gouda for a new flavor twist.
• Add more veggies – For extra nutrition, mix in grated carrots or zucchini. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick.
• Make it turkey-friendly – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. Reduce the cooking time slightly since turkey cooks faster.

No matter how you tweak it, this Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.

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