Family-Favorite Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with robust flavors and a savory blend of ingredients, this classic dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

The secret behind this mouthwatering meatloaf lies in its perfectly balanced seasonings and tender texture.

Home cooks adore how simple yet satisfying this recipe can be for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering.

Each bite delivers a rich, meaty experience that connects you to traditional American home cooking.

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this meatloaf will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this comforting and hearty meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients List for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source, choose lean cut for balanced flavor and texture.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Eggs: Natural binder that holds meatloaf together and provides structure.

• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base to the meatloaf.
• Green Bell Pepper: Introduces fresh crunch and subtle vegetable sweetness.
• Ritz Crackers: Creates light, tender texture and helps absorb moisture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, creamy richness and melting goodness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste profile.

• Ketchup: Tangy base that adds vibrant color and sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized, glossy finish with deep sweetness.
• Yellow Mustard: Introduces zesty, slightly spicy undertone to glaze.

Tools That Help You Nail Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a perfect surface for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately for consistent results.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Small bowl: Needed for preparing the delicious glaze mixture.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160F.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing the meatloaf after resting.
• Parchment paper (optional): Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Directions to Cook Cracker Barrel Meatloaf at Home

• Kick Off the Oven Warmup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F and get a baking sheet ready with a light coating of grease.

• Mix and Mingle the Meat Magic

Toss ground beef, chopped veggies, crumbled crackers, cheese, eggs, and seasonings into a big bowl. Stir everything together gently – no workout required!

• Shape Your Meaty Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a beautiful loaf on the baking sheet, giving it that classic homestyle look.

• First Baking Round

Slide the loaf into the oven and let it cook for half an hour, letting those flavors start dancing.

• Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Quickly blend ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard into a tangy glaze that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Glaze and Finish

Pull out the partially cooked meatloaf, drizzle the glaze generously across the top, then return to the oven for another 30 minutes.

• Check and Rest

Ensure the internal temperature hits 160F, then let the meatloaf chill for 10 minutes before slicing. This lets all those delicious juices settle in perfectly.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – Variations to Try

• Meat Moisture Magic: Use a mixture of ground beef with slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy and tender without becoming greasy.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the entire meatloaf up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking easier.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the original texture.
• Veggie Boost Option: Finely grate additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini into the mixture to increase nutritional value and add subtle moisture to the meatloaf.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled meatloaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals that can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Plate Up Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Like a Homestyle Favorite

• Hearty Comfort Plate: Pair this classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a traditional home-style dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Rustic Sandwich Twist: Slice leftover meatloaf cold or slightly warmed and create delicious sandwiches on toasted bread with a smear of extra mustard or mayo for added zest.
• Weekend Brunch Surprise: Crumble leftover meatloaf over hash browns or mix into scrambled eggs for a rich, satisfying morning meal that transforms your typical breakfast routine.
• Family-Style Sharing: Serve meatloaf on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato wedges for a beautiful, rustic presentation that encourages family-style dining.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – How to Store It Right

• Smart Slicing Strategy: Cut meatloaf into portions before refrigerating, making future reheating and meal prep faster and easier.
• Chilled Storage Solution: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain optimal taste and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Reheating Rescue Method: Warm refrigerated slices in microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying, or reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to retain moisture and restore original juiciness.

Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables nationwide. Home cooks can craft this savory dish with simple ingredients and enjoy its rich, homestyle flavor profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs / 680 g ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup / 115 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup / 120 g crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup / 120 ml whole milk
• 0.5 cup / 120 ml ketchup
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 0.5 cup / 75 g green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and gather ground beef, Ritz crackers, onions, green bell peppers, cheddar cheese, eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.
2. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, finely chopped onions, diced green bell peppers, crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Binding: Whisk eggs and whole milk together, then gently fold into the meat mixture, seasoning with salt and black pepper while maintaining a delicate touch to preserve the meat’s tenderness.
4. Shaping: Mold the mixture into a uniform loaf on a baking sheet, creating a compact shape approximately 9-5 inches long.
5. Initial Baking: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to begin cooking.
6. Glazing: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create a vibrant glaze, then remove the meatloaf and generously brush the entire surface with the tangy mixture.
7. Final Baking: Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C).
8. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice and serve hot, revealing a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed comfort dish.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, soft meatloaf consistency.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use fresh Ritz crackers and precise milk measurements to prevent dry or soggy results.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Master Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to accurately check 160F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying out.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg