The Best Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for Comfort Food

Comfort food takes center stage with this irresistible copycat cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that brings hearty, home-style flavors right to your dinner table.

Packed with savory seasonings and a perfect blend of ground beef, this meatloaf promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

The classic dish delivers a nostalgic warmth that reminds you of traditional family dinners.

Juicy and tender, each slice melts in your mouth with rich, meaty goodness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Generations have cherished this classic recipe, and now you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – Why It’s a Winner

• Whip Up Comfort Classics: A meatloaf that brings nostalgic diner-style flavors straight to your kitchen, making everyone feel right at home with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheeses or adding vegetables to match your family's taste preferences, turning this recipe into a flexible meal solution.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep time and straightforward mixing mean you can have a hearty, delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients kids love, this meatloaf offers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both picky eaters and adults craving classic comfort food.

Ingredients for Easy Copycat Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic, flavorful meat that forms the base of this hearty meatloaf.

• Crushed Crackers, Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture and richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a delicious, melty texture and sharp flavor to the meatloaf.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and a subtle crunch to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a delicious caramelized topping for the meatloaf.

Making Copycat Meatloaf Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat a loaf pan with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Crushed crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Gently mix everything until the ingredients become best friends and blend perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Transform the meat mixture into a beautiful loaf shape and nestle it comfortably in the prepared pan.

Step 4: Craft the Glorious Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread half of this magical glaze across the top of your meatloaf.

Step 5: First Baking Session

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Remove the meatloaf and generously coat the top with remaining glaze.

Return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Check and Rest

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.

Slice and serve while warm, ready to delight hungry diners.

Tips for Flavorful Copycat Meatloaf

• Add milk and eggs to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Choose 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without excess grease.
• Crush crackers finely to help bind ingredients and create a smoother, more consistent meatloaf texture.
• Apply half the glaze initially and the remaining halfway through cooking to prevent burning and achieve a rich, glossy finish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Variations

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the meatloaf.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Veggie-Packed Variation: Add finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and increase vegetable intake.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative for the glaze.

Serving Ideas for Copycat Meatloaf

• Hearty Side Kick: Pair the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious glaze perfectly.
• Veggie Companions: Roast seasonal vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to add color and nutrition to the plate.
• Comfort Combo: Serve alongside warm buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to complete this classic Southern-style meal and soak up every last bit of savory sauce.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a buffet-style dinner by offering additional condiments like extra ketchup, hot sauce, or pickles for personalized flavor options.

Storage Advice for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Transfer cooled meatloaf to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent odors from spreading.
• Slice meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep moisture.

FAQs

• Why use crackers instead of breadcrumbs?

Crackers provide a unique texture and add a subtle buttery flavor that breadcrumbs can’t match, making the meatloaf more tender and flavorful.

• Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or a mix of ground meats like beef and pork for different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar texture.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What if I don't have bell peppers?

You can skip them or replace with finely diced carrots or celery to maintain moisture and add a subtle vegetable component to the meatloaf.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with hearty ground beef and savory seasonings. Home cooks can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite, promising a delicious meal packed with nostalgic flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Dry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ground beef with cracker crumbles, shredded cheese, beaten eggs, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation.
3. Fold in diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and all seasonings, gently mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
4. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets and create a uniform density.
5. Transfer the formed loaf into the prepared pan, positioning it centrally for even cooking.
6. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl to create a glossy, tangy glaze with balanced sweetness.
7. Generously brush half of the glaze over the raw meatloaf, ensuring complete surface coverage.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
9. Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, creating a second layer of flavor and moisture.
10. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
11. Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
12. Slice and serve warm, presenting a classic comfort food dish with robust flavors and appealing presentation.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture in the meatloaf.
• Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers briefly before mixing to enhance their flavor and soften their texture.
• Consider using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• For a low-carb version, replace crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds while maintaining the dish’s classic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 446 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg