Here’s a copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel‑style Meatloaf—rich, savory, tender, and topped with that signature sweet‑tangy glaze you’ll recognize from the restaurant: (Recipes by Caroline)
🧑🍳 Cracker Barrel‑Style Meatloaf (Copycat)
Servings: about 8
Prep + Cook Time: ~1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness) (Recipes by Caroline)
- 1/2–3/4 cup finely diced onion (keviniscooking.com)
- 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper (optional but classic) (keviniscooking.com)
- ~1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers) (keviniscooking.com)
- 3 large eggs (keviniscooking.com)
- 1/2–3/4 cup milk (keviniscooking.com)
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (keviniscooking.com)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Glaze
- 3/4–1 cup ketchup
- 2–3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Optional: 1–2 tsp Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor (keviniscooking.com)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with foil or grease lightly.
- Mix Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, crushed crackers, eggs, milk, cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork. (keviniscooking.com)
- Shape & Bake
- Form into a loaf and place in the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 30 minutes.
- Make the Glaze
- While the meatloaf starts baking, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard (and Worcestershire if using).
- This gives you that sweet, tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully. (Recipes by Caroline)
- Glaze & Finish Baking
- Remove meatloaf after 30 minutes and spread the glaze over the top.
- Return to oven and bake another 30–40 minutes, until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C). (keviniscooking.com)
- Rest & Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest ~10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and stay juicy.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can make the loaf tough.
- Ritz crackers: The buttery cracker crumbs help keep the texture light and flavorful—this is a hallmark of the Cracker Barrel style. (Recipes by Caroline)
- Optional extras: A splash of Worcestershire or finely minced garlic adds depth.
- Serve with: classic mashed potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots for a true diner‑style meal.
Would you like a slow cooker version or a cheesy stuffed meatloaf twist on this recipe? 🍖🥄
