Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat Recipe

Introduction

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful classic that’s perfect for family dinners. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a sweet-savory glaze, it’s an easy dish that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs ground beef (lean 85%)
• ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
• ¼ cup green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 3 eggs (at room temperature)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• ¼ cup whole milk
• Ritz crackers (2 sleeves or 60-64 crackers per recipe)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 Tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and set aside for the glaze.
3. Step 3: Place the Ritz crackers into a plastic storage bag. Cover with a kitchen towel and crush them with a meat mallet or heavy object until mostly fine with some lumps remaining for texture.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, eggs, grated cheddar cheese, whole milk, crushed Ritz crackers, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, thoroughly combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and form it into a loaf shape.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Step 7: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try soaking the crushed Ritz crackers in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
• Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Add finely minced garlic or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost.
• If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked, sliced meatloaf for up to 2 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 prepare the meat mixture and form the loaf up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for a similar texture.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat recipe features a moist and flavorful meatloaf made with lean ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers for texture. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, this comforting classic is perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1½ lbs lean ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (60–64 crackers), crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prep & Mix The Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, eggs, grated sharp cheddar cheese, whole milk, crushed Ritz crackers, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients evenly.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth. Set aside for later application.
4. Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers into a plastic storage bag, cover with a kitchen towel, and crush with a meat mallet or heavy object until mostly fine with some texture remaining. This adds moisture and binding to the meatloaf.
5. Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf form, ensuring it is compact and even for uniform cooking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf (First Stage): Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes uncovered to start the cooking process.
7. Apply Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the prepared glaze over the top of the loaf to add sweet tangy flavor and caramelization.
8. Bake the Meatloaf (Second Stage): Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
9. Rest the Meatloaf: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
10. Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm as a comforting main dish, perfect with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Let eggs come to room temperature before mixing for better binding.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to check doneness accurately.
• Crushing the Ritz crackers by hand ensures varied texture in the meatloaf mixture.
• Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps retain moisture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat, meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, dinner recipe