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
Scale
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.
