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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings the homestyle flavor of the famous restaurant straight to your kitchen.
Juicy ground beef mixed with onions, peppers, Ritz cracker crumbs, and cheddar cheese is baked to perfection
and topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze. A true comfort food classic from deesviral.
Introduction
Few dishes say “comfort food” like a slice of tender, flavorful meatloaf,
and Cracker Barrel has mastered the art. Their meatloaf has earned cult status for its moist texture,
cheesy richness, and caramelized glaze.
This homemade version captures all those flavors with simple pantry ingredients and no fuss.
Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or warm biscuits, this meatloaf is guaranteed
to bring the taste of a roadside diner right to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze, and bake for another 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped in foil and stored in freezer bags up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 325°F until hot.
- Glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and moisture inside the loaf.
- Ritz crackers: Bring buttery flavor and act as a binder.
- Glaze: Caramelizes into a sweet-savory finish that balances the savory beef.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best balance of juiciness and structure.
- Don’t press mixture too firmly when shaping—light handling keeps loaf tender.
- If meatloaf releases excess grease, carefully spoon it off halfway through baking.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and peppers before mixing into meatloaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute crackers? Yes—use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes if Ritz aren’t available.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, but bake in two loaf pans for even cooking.
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What sides go best? Mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, green beans, and cornbread are Cracker Barrel classics.
