Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Homestyle Comfort

Memories of comfort flood back with this delightful cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Savory aromas promise a nostalgic dining experience waiting to unfold.

Hearty ingredients blend perfectly to create a classic meal everyone adores.

Rich ground beef mingles with cracker crumbs, creating a texture that melts in your mouth.

Childhood dinner tables come alive with each carefully measured ingredient.

Simple preparation means you can craft this delectable dish without stress.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious bite that connects you to home-cooked happiness.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf You Can Make at Home

• Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Delights
• Prepare this mouthwatering meatloaf in just over an hour, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with savory ingredients like Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet glaze, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
• Simple mixing technique and basic ingredients make this an excellent recipe for getting children involved in meal preparation, teaching them cooking skills while creating delicious memories.
• Equally impressive for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings, this meatloaf transitions seamlessly from weeknight staple to potluck showstopper.

Ingredients for a Comfort Food Classic

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Eggs, Whole Milk: Binding agents that help hold the meatloaf together and add moisture.

• Ritz Crackers: Adds texture and helps bind the meatloaf. Crush them finely for best results.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and depth of flavor. Dice them finely for even distribution.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Yellow Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking. Whisk together for a smooth, even glaze.

How to Prepare Tender, Flavorful Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spritz of cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Diced green bell pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently blend everything together- keep it light and loose to avoid a tough loaf.

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Nudge the mixture onto the baking sheet and mold it into a hearty loaf about 9-5 inches long.

Step 4: First Bake Blast

Slide the loaf into the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Whip Up a Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Yellow mustard

Mix until silky smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Coat

Pull the meatloaf out and paint the glaze all over the top.

Step 7: Final Baking Stretch

Pop the loaf back in the oven for another 30 minutes. It’s done when the center hits 160F.

Step 8: Rest and Devour

Let the meatloaf chill for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep every bite juicy and delicious.

Pro Tips to Avoid Dry or Crumbly Texture

• Customize Cracker Crumbs: Swap Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs, ensuring a personalized touch to the classic recipe.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Keep the mixture moist by using lean ground beef with a bit of fat content and avoiding overmixing, which can make the texture tough and dry.
• Master the Glaze Technique: Brush the glaze evenly and generously for a caramelized, tangy coating that adds depth of flavor and creates an appetizing golden-brown surface.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, guaranteeing the meatloaf is cooked perfectly without becoming dry or undercooked.
• Boost Vegetable Content: Finely dice additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra moisture to the meatloaf mixture.

How to Store and Reheat Meatloaf Easily

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated meatloaf slices at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• For quick reheating, place meatloaf slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.

Best Sides to Serve with Meatloaf

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel that complements the meatloaf's rich, savory flavors and cuts through its hearty texture.
• Pair the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans to balance the dish's robust meat profile and add complementary vegetables.
• Serve a crisp amber ale or craft beer that enhances the meatloaf's meaty depth and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet-tangy glaze.
• Add a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette to brighten the plate and introduce a fresh, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways to Customize This Homestyle Dish

• Keto-Friendly Meatloaf: Replace Ritz crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Swap whole milk for heavy cream, reducing carbohydrate content. Use low-sugar ketchup alternative for glaze.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including condiments.
• Vegetarian Transformation
• Turkey Lean Version: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative. Add extra herbs like thyme or sage to enhance flavor profile and maintain moisture.

Meatloaf FAQs

• Why use Ritz crackers in meatloaf?

Ritz crackers add a unique texture and mild buttery flavor to the meatloaf. They help bind the ingredients together and create a softer, more tender result compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or ground turkey. Just ensure the meat mixture has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160F (70C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

• What makes the glaze special?

The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard creates a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking, adding depth and richness to the meatloaf’s flavor profile.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic Southern comfort to dinner tables with hearty ground beef and savory seasonings. Homestyle flavors blend perfectly, promising a nostalgic meal that satisfies hungry families and delivers genuine Southern comfort in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Vegetables and Cheese:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup (115 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment to create a succulent, hearty meatloaf inspired by Cracker Barrel’s classic recipe.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, finely chopped onions, and diced green bell peppers, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and fold them into the meat mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich and textured base.
4. Whisk eggs and whole milk together, then incorporate them into the meat mixture, being careful not to overwork the ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
5. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, blending the spices thoroughly but delicately to preserve the meat’s natural moisture.
6. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking sheet, carefully molding it into a uniform loaf shape approximately 9-5 inches long.
7. Slide the meatloaf into a preheated oven set at 350F (175C), allowing it to bake for the initial 30 minutes.
8. While the meatloaf roasts, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
9. After the first baking phase, remove the meatloaf and generously brush the glossy glaze across its surface, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (70C).
11. Once cooked, extract the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and intensify the flavors.
12. Slice the meatloaf carefully and serve hot, revealing a perfectly cooked, flavorful main dish that captures the essence of home-style comfort food.

Notes

• Prevent dense texture by gently mixing ingredients, using a light touch to combine ground beef with other components without compressing the meat too much.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this classic comfort dish.
• Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture, which helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy without changing the core flavor profile.
• Customize the glaze by experimenting with different sweet-tangy combinations like adding a splash of bourbon, using honey instead of brown sugar, or incorporating a touch of sriracha for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg