Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf copycat recipe delivers a comforting, savory classic that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender ground beef, sharp cheddar, and a sweet tangy glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ to ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a small pan, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers with olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, sautéed onions and peppers, shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan. Using a loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape and cook evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by mixing the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Set aside.
8. Step 8: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the topping evenly over it. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F.
9. Step 9: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the temperature to rise to about 160 degrees F and helps retain the juices.
10. Step 10: Slice and serve with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor and texture.
• Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor.
• For a spicier topping, mix in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper with the ketchup glaze.
• If you don’t have a loaf pan, form the loaf on a baking sheet but be aware it may cook faster and be less uniform.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to keep them moist. You can also freeze meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold going into the oven.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees F after resting. This ensures the meat is safe and juicy.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 75-85 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf copycat recipe delivers a comforting, classic American favorite with a savory blend of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze. Perfectly baked and juicy, it pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying homestyle meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Mixture

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• ½ to ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature while preparing the meatloaf mixture.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a small pan and sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. This process mellows their flavor and improves the texture. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, sautéed onions and peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
4. Add ground beef: Gently fold in the ground beef, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
5. Shape and place in pan: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it into a loaf pan. Using a loaf pan is essential to maintain the shape and ensure even cooking.
6. Bake initial: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Prepare topping: While baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the topping glaze.
8. Apply topping and continue baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes and brush the ketchup mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Rest the meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest in the loaf pan for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the temperature to rise to around 160 degrees and helps the juices redistribute, preventing dryness when slicing.
10. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, ideally alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
• A loaf pan is recommended to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart and to promote even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
• Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, ensuring a moist texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: meatloaf, Cracker Barrel, copycat recipe, comfort food, baked meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, classic American dinner