Top Secret Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This Cracker Barrel meatloaf is above and beyond your average meatloaf. It's super flavorful and tender, made even better with the addition of cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and the best glaze on to. This homemade restaurant meal is sure to be one your whole family loves!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's way better than classic meatloaf. All the additional ingredients like Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and vegetables bring this meatloaf to a whole new level. Then the delicious glaze is by far the best meatloaf glaze I've ever had!
• Kids and adults love it. This copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is comfort food at its finest! No one can resist a warm slice of this tender, juicy meatloaf.
• It's easy to make. All things considered, this recipe is quite easy to make. All you do is make the glaze, season the meat, and bake. It'll take you about 10 minutes to prepare, and the rest is up to the oven!

Ingredients Needed

For the meatloaf:

• Ground beef- lean ground beef works best. I used an 85/15 split.
• Onion- chopped. Can be substituted for onion powder instead.
• Green bell pepper- seeded and diced into small pieces.
• Salt and pepper- used to enhance the flavors. Add to taste.
• Eggs- to bind the rest of the ingredients together.
• Cheddar cheese- I like to use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
• Milk- whole milk works great, but any milk you have at some will do.
• Ritz crackers- place them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

For the glaze:

• Ketchup- the base for the glaze,
• Brown sugar- adds a subtle sweetness that's addictive.
• Yellow mustard- for a little tang. I like to use Dijon mustard.
• Worcestershire sauce- the secret ingredient that gives the glaze the best flavor.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Make the glaze. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into a somewhat thick glaze. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Make the meatloaf. Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, eggs, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and crushed Ritz crackers to a large bowl. Combine the ingredients with clean hands until the mixture is well combined. 

Step 3: Bake. Press the meatloaf mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and add the prepared glaze on top. Bake the meatloaf for an additional 25 minutes or until the temperature reaches 160°F. 

Step 4: Serve. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Side Dishes To Make With This Meatloaf

• Cracker Barrel Biscuits
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
• Longhorn Brussel Sprouts
• Baked Beans
• Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Butter

Storing and Reheating Instructions

In the fridge: If you have any leftovers, store the sliced meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

In the freezer: I like to double this recipe and freeze one of the meatloaf to have dinner on hand for the future. To freeze, let the meatloaf cool to room temperature, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: The best way to reheat the meatloaf is to put it in a baking dish with a tablespoon of beef broth and cover it with aluminum foil. Then bake it at 250°F for 20-30 minutes or until it's warmed through.

More Copycat Recipes

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Pancakes
• Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich
• Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito
• Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 servings

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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This Cracker Barrel meatloaf is above and beyond your average meatloaf. It's super flavorful and tender, made even better with the addition of cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and the best glaze on to. This homemade restaurant meal is sure to be one your whole family loves!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup green bell pepper, seeded, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs
• 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers

Glaze:

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ tablespoon mustard
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. 
2. In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and set aside.
3. Make the meatloaf; add ground beef, onion, bell pepper, eggs, cheddar cheese, milk, and crackers. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Stir the mixture with clean hands until well combined. 
5. Place the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the muffin tin and add the glaze on top.
7. Bake the meatloaf for an additional 25 minutes or until the temperature reaches 160°F. 
8. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 455mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 26g