If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new favorite. With tender ground beef combined with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of sweetness from a homemade glaze, every bite brings a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. This classic meatloaf celebrates simple ingredients transformed into a soul-satisfying meal that’s as delightful for weeknight dinners as it is for special family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look humble, but each one plays an essential role in creating the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. From the sharp cheddar melting into the beef to the crushed Ritz crackers binding everything together, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: The hearty base providing juicy, meaty flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic bite that softens as it cooks.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional): Brings a subtle crunch and fresh color to the mix.
- 48 Ritz crackers, crushed: A secret to extra tenderness and slight crunch inside the meatloaf.
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into cheesy gooeyness that balances savory meat.
- 3 eggs: Acts as a binder to keep the meatloaf perfectly moist and cohesive.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to prevent dryness without weighing down the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance sweetness.
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup: Forms the base of the tangy-sweet glaze topping.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives the glaze a caramelized sweetness that’s irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Adds a subtle zing to brighten the glaze.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Having your oven warmed ahead of time ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly and maintains its juicy texture throughout the baking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the oven heats, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. This glaze is going to give the meatloaf that signature Cracker Barrel sweet and tangy finish that everyone loves.
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients
Combine eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar, milk, diced onion, bell pepper if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture forms the flavorful, well-seasoned base that makes your meatloaf stand out.
Step 4: Fold in the Ground Beef
Gently incorporate the ground beef into your mixture until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, so the meatloaf stays tender and not dense or tough.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer your mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake starts setting the shape and cooking the meat evenly.
Step 6: Add the Glaze and Continue Baking
Spread your homemade glaze generously over the top of the partially baked meatloaf. Return it to the oven for another 30 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, allow your meatloaf to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, giving you perfect slices that hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a few fresh parsley leaves over your meatloaf slices adds a touch of vibrant green and freshness that cuts through the richness, making every forkful more inviting visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans. For a lighter contrast, a crisp garden salad or steamed broccoli makes a fantastic pairing, balancing richness with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making mini meatloaf muffins for individual servings, perfect for parties or lunchboxes. You can also serve slices stacked with a slice of cheddar melted between two pieces for a decadent meatloaf sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making for easy next-day or midweek meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooked loaf or slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil until warmed through. This helps maintain moisture and keeps that delicious glaze intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of sharp cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and meltiness, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
Is it necessary to use Ritz crackers, or can I use bread crumbs?
Ritz crackers give a buttery, slightly salty crunch that’s unique to this recipe, but plain bread crumbs can work in a pinch. If using bread crumbs, consider adding a bit of butter or seasoning for extra flavor.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before?
Yes! Preparing the mixture a day in advance can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just keep the mixture covered and refrigerated, then shape and bake when ready.
What is the best way to check if the meatloaf is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest method. The internal temperature should reach 155°F to ensure it’s cooked through while still moist and juicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring comfort, warmth, and smiles around the dinner table. It’s straightforward, reliably delicious, and perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a classic homemade meal with a special twist. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf recipe featuring lean ground beef, sharp cheddar, and a tangy ketchup glaze. This classic comfort food serves approximately 8 and is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 48 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Set this mixture aside to be used as a glaze later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and then add crushed Ritz crackers, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk, finely diced onion, bell pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Ground Beef: Gently fold the lean ground beef into the mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the loaf dense.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to begin cooking the meatloaf through.
- Apply Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared ketchup glaze evenly over the top. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and allows for easier slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 155°F.
- The bell pepper is optional but adds a nice flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a lower fat option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
