Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This cheesy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for Sunday dinner or a hearty weeknight meal. It uses simple ingredients and comes together with minimal effort – just mix, bake, glaze, and enjoy!

Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

• Comes together with simple pantry staples and just a few easy steps
• Cheesy, tender, and topped with a sweet-savory glaze just like the restaurant version

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and flavor to the meatloaf. Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar all work – feel free to swap in Colby Jack if desired.
• Ritz Crackers: Crushed crackers act as the binder and add buttery flavor. You can use saltines or panko in place of Ritz.
• Whole Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf moist. Half-and-half works well too.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth. White onion can be used as a substitute.
• Green Pepper: Brings a mild crunch. You can use red or yellow bell peppers if preferred.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and richness. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used in a pinch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth. You can substitute 2 minced garlic cloves instead, but I love how easily garlic powder mixes into this meatloaf.

For the Glaze:

• Ketchup: The sweet base of the glaze. Chili sauce is a fun substitute if you want a bit of a kick.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps caramelize the top. Light brown sugar also works.
• Yellow Mustard: Cuts through the sweetness and adds tang. Dijon can be used for a bolder flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the glaze’s flavor with a bit of umami.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Saute Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large saute pan. Add onion and green pepper along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sauteed onion and green pepper, cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the Ground Beef: Use your hands to gently mix in the ground beef until everything is just incorporated—don’t overmix.

Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and press into a loaf shape.

Initial Bake: Bake meatloaf for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze: While it bakes, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Glaze and Bake Again: After 30 minutes, brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 30–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10–12 minutes, brush with the remaining glaze, slice, and serve!

Tips for Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

• Leaner ground beef (90/10) works best for this recipe. 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef will make the meatloaf a bit greasy.
• Don’t overmix the meatloaf – it can make the loaf dense and chewy.
• If your loaf pan is very full, place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Don’t be alarmed if there’s a bit of liquid in the loaf pan after baking. The juices will redistribute throughout the loaf as it cools.

Loaf Pan or Free Form?

• This is a controversial topic, but honestly, I’m not sure it matters much!
• When I make my Italian meatloaf, mini meatloaf, or smoked meatloaf, I like to just let it be free form on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• But when I make this Cracker Barrel meatloaf, I like to use a pan for a more uniform slice and even cooking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Mix and shape the meatloaf up to 1 day in advance.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate.
• When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then proceed with baking and glazing.
• You might need to add a bit of extra cooking time to account for the colder temperature.
• Bake until it reaches 160 degrees internally.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

• Wrap the fully cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

• Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals until heated.
• You can also saute the slices in a large saute pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until warmed through. This adds a delicious crust to the meatloaf as well.

Serving Suggestions

• creamy garlic mashed potatoes
• roasted herby baby potatoes
• air fryer green beans
• air fryer asparagus
• instant pot baked potatoes

Try these easy dinner recipes next!