Cracker Barrel-Inspired Meatloaf | YumAndJoy

Cracker Barrel-Inspired Meatloaf

Recreate the iconic Cracker Barrel meatloaf at home with a buttery Ritz cracker twist, cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze. This comforting classic is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals, delivering rich, homestyle flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic comfort food – Just like the restaurant favorite.
  • Cheesy and flavorful – Cheddar cheese and buttery crackers make it extra delicious.
  • Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
  • Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf:

  • Ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • Ritz crackers, crushed
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Onion, finely diced
  • Green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar, eggs, milk, diced onion, green bell pepper (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf – Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Prepare the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. First Bake – Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 40 minutes.
  6. Glaze Again – Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest and Serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
  • BBQ Glaze – Swap the ketchup glaze for your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Turkey Meatloaf – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Low-Carb Version – Replace Ritz crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
  • Extra Veggies – Mix in shredded carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the meatloaf and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best type of ground beef to use?

An 80/20 mix (80% lean, 20% fat) provides the best flavor and moisture.

Can I use bread crumbs instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes! Swap Ritz crackers with plain or seasoned bread crumbs.

How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?

Avoid overmixing and let it rest after baking before slicing.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely! The cheese adds flavor but can be omitted.

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or steak sauce can work as alternatives.

Can I cook this in a loaf pan instead of freeform?

Yes, but it may take slightly longer to cook. Drain excess grease if needed.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer – it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.

What can I serve with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or cornbread make great sides.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Make two smaller loaves or bake a larger one, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying leftovers, this homestyle recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy every bite!

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Cracker Barrel-Inspired Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel-Inspired Meatloaf


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

Recreate the iconic Cracker Barrel meatloaf at home with a buttery Ritz cracker twist, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze. This comforting, juicy, and flavorful meatloaf is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic homestyle meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar, eggs, milk, onion, bell pepper (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
  3. Shape the Meatloaf – Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
  4. Prepare the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Add the Final Glaze – Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest & Serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal!

Notes

  • No Ritz crackers? Substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.
  • Want extra moisture? Add 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce to the meat mixture.
  • For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke in the meat mixture.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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