This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings the hearty, nostalgic flavors of the beloved restaurant straight to your kitchen. Made with crushed Ritz crackers for a tender texture, sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze, this meatloaf is the epitome of home-cooked comfort food.
Perfectly baked and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, satisfying meal reminiscent of a cozy dinner at Cracker Barrel!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Favorite: The perfect blend of savory and sweet makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Cheesy and Buttery: Sharp cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz crackers elevate this meatloaf to next-level comfort food.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and pantry staples, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day! Perfect for sandwiches or reheated meals.
Homestyle Flavor: Brings the classic taste of Cracker Barrel to your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20) strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use a mix of beef and pork for extra richness.
Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers add buttery, slightly salty notes and act as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf together.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The shredded cheese melts beautifully into the meatloaf, adding creamy pockets of flavor.
Ketchup Glaze: A combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the meatloaf.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing Ingredients
Beat and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Stir in:
3/4 cup of milk
1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers
Mix until well combined.
Add Onion and Cheese: Stir in:
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Combine with Ground Beef: Add:
1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Shaping the Loaf
Shape: Form the mixture into a loaf shape.
Place in Pan: Transfer the loaf to the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan.
4. Baking
Initial Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Preparing the Topping
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix:
1/2 cup of ketchup
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of mustard
6. Applying the Topping
Add First Layer: After 30 minutes of baking, spoon half of the topping evenly over the meatloaf.
Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Add Second Layer: Apply the remaining topping and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7. Serving
Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute for easier slicing.
Slice and Serve: Cut into slices and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with classic comfort food sides for the ultimate meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a pat of butter are a perfect match.
Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or carrots add color and balance to the plate.
Mac and Cheese: Double down on the cheesy goodness with this indulgent side dish.
Cornbread or Rolls: Serve with warm bread to soak up the delicious juices and glaze.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze
Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat
Oven: Wrap slices in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Variations
Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze for some heat.
Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for added moisture and nutrients.
BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup in the glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs in place of Ritz crackers.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a true comfort food classic, blending rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from its irresistible ketchup glaze. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Pro Tip: For the juiciest meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture—it can make the loaf dense and tough.
So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite comfort food sides, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this beloved meatloaf. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds (and thirds)!
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 25 Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Stir in milk and crushed Ritz crackers. Add chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it to the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- After 30 minutes of baking, spoon half of the topping evenly over the meatloaf. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, then apply the remaining topping and bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
