Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel–style Meatloaf is that sweet-savory, ultra-tender, comfort-food classic. This is a copycat recipe, made just like the restaurant version, with clear step-by-step directions.

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🍽️ Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Bake: 50–60 minutes

🍴 Serves

4–6

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🛒 Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• ½ cup finely chopped onion

• ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (very important for that Cracker Barrel texture)

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

Glaze

• ¾ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp yellow mustard

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🔪 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.

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Step 2: Mix the meatloaf

1. In a large bowl, add:

   • Ground beef

   • Onion

   • Green pepper

   • Eggs

   • Crushed Ritz crackers

   • Milk

   • Salt

   • Pepper

   • Garlic powder

2. Gently mix until just combined.
   👉 Do not overmix — that’s the secret to tenderness.

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Step 3: Shape

• Shape into a loaf and place in pan or on baking sheet.

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Step 4: Make the glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix:

   • Ketchup

   • Brown sugar

   • Mustard

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Step 5: Bake (two-step glaze method)

1. Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf.

2. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

3. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top.

4. Return to oven and bake another 20–30 minutes.

✔️ Meatloaf is done when internal temp reaches 160°F.

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Step 6: Rest

1. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Serve warm.

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⭐ Why This Tastes Like Cracker Barrel

• Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs = soft, tender texture

• Milk + eggs keep it moist

• Sweet ketchup glaze with mustard balances the beef

• No fancy seasonings — simple, classic Southern flavor

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🍽️ What to Serve With It (Cracker Barrel-Style)

• Mashed potatoes with gravy

• Green beans

• Fried apples

• Cornbread or biscuits

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🔥 Optional Tweaks

• Swap ½ beef + ½ ground pork for extra juiciness

• Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar inside the loaf

• Want it sweeter? Add 1 extra tbsp brown sugar to glaze