Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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Bring the comforting flavors of your favorite country restaurant to your own kitchen with this Cracker Barrel Copycat Meatloaf. Made with lean ground beef, buttery crackers, sautéed vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet, tangy tomato glaze, this moist and flavorful meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or an easy weeknight meal served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Main Course
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1½ cups buttery round cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Cracked black pepper

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan or baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Meat thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Ground beef
  • Cracker crumbs
  • Onion
  • Green bell pepper
  • Eggs
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Milk
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried parsley

Mix gently with your hands or a large spoon until just combined.

Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet.

Smooth the top and sides evenly.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Yellow mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce

Mix until smooth.

Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Reserve the remaining glaze.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest

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

This helps the juices redistribute and makes cleaner slices.

Step 7: Serve

Slice and serve warm with extra glaze if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 465
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 760mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Expert Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
  • Finely dice the vegetables so they cook evenly and blend into the meatloaf.
  • Mix the ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) without overcooking.

Flavor Variations

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Wrap the loaf with bacon before baking for an extra smoky, savory flavor.

Spicy Meatloaf

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a little heat.

BBQ Meatloaf

Replace the ketchup in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

Mushroom & Swiss Meatloaf

Mix finely chopped sautéed mushrooms into the meat and substitute Swiss cheese for cheddar.

Turkey Meatloaf

Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. Add an extra tablespoon of milk to help keep it moist.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Oven

Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwave

Heat individual slices for 1–2 minutes, or until hot.

Skillet

Warm slices in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and lightly browned.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This hearty meatloaf pairs perfectly with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Brown gravy
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Green beans
  • Sweet corn
  • Glazed carrots
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Dinner rolls
  • Cornbread
  • Garden salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the meatloaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I substitute breadcrumbs for crackers?

Absolutely. Use an equal amount of plain or seasoned breadcrumbs if you don’t have buttery crackers.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

This usually happens if there isn’t enough binder. The eggs and cracker crumbs help hold the meatloaf together, so be sure to measure them accurately.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well, but because they are leaner, the texture may be slightly softer. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat moist.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 160°F (71°C) before serving.

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