If you have ever craved a hearty, comforting meal that satisfies your soul and tickles your taste buds, then the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is here to become your new favorite. This classic dish brings together juicy ground beef, savory onions and bell peppers, and a hint of sharp cheddar that makes each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a nostalgic, home-style recipe inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel restaurants, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying way to enjoy meatloaf any night of the week. You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together and how it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that iconic taste and texture we all crave. From the crispy crunch of crushed Ritz crackers to the richness of cheddar cheese, everything works together to build layers of flavor and the perfect meatloaf consistency.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and add a subtle fruitiness that enhances the meat flavor.
- Yellow onion (finely diced): Brings a sweet and savory backbone after caramelizing slightly in the pan.
- Green bell pepper (finely diced, optional): Adds a gentle freshness and slight crunch if you like a bit of vegetable brightness.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): These add a buttery, crisp texture that helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Large eggs (whisked): Essential for binding the meat mixture together perfectly.
- Freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Melts inside, imparting a rich, sharp flavor that elevates every forkful.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the mixture, keeping each slice juicy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper: Gives a touch of warmth and depth.
- 80% lean ground beef: The main star of the show, providing robust flavor and the perfect fat content for moisture.
- Ketchup: Creates the subtly sweet and tangy glaze that finishes the meatloaf beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Balances the ketchup with a gentle, caramel-like sweetness.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a mild kick to the glaze, making each bite stand out.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your meatloaf is ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze and helping the meatloaf keep its shape.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
In a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add your diced yellow onion and, if you like, green bell pepper. Stir them often until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops wonderful natural sweetness and smoothness that blend flawlessly into the meat mixture. Afterward, set this mixture aside to cool—cooling is key so it doesn’t cook the eggs or meat prematurely.
Step 3: Mix the Binding Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, freshly shredded cheddar, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. These ingredients are the glue that holds your meatloaf deliciously together while adding richness and texture.
Step 4: Combine the Meat and Vegetables
Add your ground beef and the cooled onion and pepper mixture into the bowl with your binder mixture. Using clean hands, gently mix until everything is distributed evenly. Don’t overwork the meat; just mix enough for a consistent texture. This ensures your meatloaf stays tender and juicy once cooked.
Step 5: Shape and Start Baking
Turn your meat mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a classic loaf form. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This first bake firms up the shape and partially cooks the meat, setting the stage for a beautifully glazed finish.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While your meatloaf is baking, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This glaze will add the iconic tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy coat that Cracker Barrel is famous for—it’s what takes your meatloaf from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish Baking
Once the initial 30 minutes have passed, spread the glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf. Then return it to the oven for an additional 30 minutes. The glaze caramelizes and creates a sticky, flavorful crust that makes this dish so special. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, so every slice is juicy and holds together beautifully when you serve it up.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness that brightens the rich meatloaf. If you want to be indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on the side can bring cool creaminess to the plate.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes with a pat of butter, roasted green beans for a little crunch, or even some buttery cornbread for soaking up every last bit of meatloaf glaze. The combination is pure comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve slices of this meatloaf on toasted sandwich buns with crisp lettuce and tomato for a decadent meatloaf sandwich. Or try cubing leftover meatloaf and tossing it into a hearty breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes. Either way, the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe lends itself to so many delicious presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners that still feel indulgent and homemade.
Freezing
The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime you need a little home-cooked love.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Cover loosely to keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional and adds sharpness, you can experiment with mozzarella for mildness or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just keep the cheese shredded and fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Is it okay to skip the green bell pepper?
Yes, the green bell pepper is optional. If you’re not a fan or have picky eaters, simply leave it out without affecting the overall deliciousness of the meatloaf.
Can I make this meatloaf with ground turkey instead of beef?
You can, but note that ground turkey is leaner and can dry out more easily. Consider adding a bit more milk or an extra egg to keep it moist, and cook slightly less time to avoid over-drying.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way to check doneness is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160°F. If you don’t have one, make sure juices run clear and the center feels firm when gently pressed.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before?
Yes, preparing the mixture the night before and refrigerating it can even improve the flavors as they meld. Just shape and bake it fresh the next day for best texture and appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth to your table and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your comfort food rotation.
Print
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring ground beef mixed with crunchy crushed Ritz crackers, sautéed onions and bell peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup glaze with brown sugar and mustard. Baked to perfection, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners and leftovers.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
Glaze
- â…” cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Add ground beef and vegetables: Add the 80% lean ground beef and the cooled sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything evenly, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated without over mixing.
- Shape and start baking: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf form. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, in a small bowl stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth.
- Apply glaze and finish baking: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the prepared glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Using crushed Ritz crackers adds a unique buttery flavor and tender texture.
- The green bell pepper is optional but adds a mild sweetness and extra moisture.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves juiciness and ease of slicing.
- Glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or tang by modifying brown sugar or mustard quantities.
