🍖 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
⏱️ Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional, but traditional)
- 1½ sleeves Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers), crushed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
🍅 For the Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional but adds tang)
Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Diced onion and bell pepper
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Eggs
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Mix gently by hand until just combined — don’t overmix or the loaf can become dense.
🔹 Step 3: Shape & Bake
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
🔹 Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While it bakes, whisk together:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Mustard (if using)
🔹 Step 5: Glaze & Finish Baking
- After 45 minutes, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
🔹 Step 6: Rest & Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese for a true Cracker Barrel-style meal.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Sweeter glaze: Add a splash of maple syrup or honey.
- More moisture: Use ¼ cup tomato sauce in the mix if you prefer a softer loaf.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; freezes beautifully up to 2 months.