Delightful Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe For Dinner

Cracker barrel meatloaf brings comfort straight to your dinner table with its hearty, homestyle goodness.

Our twist on this classic dish promises maximum flavor in every savory bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, blending simple ingredients into something truly special.

Tender ground beef mingles with perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs that remind you of grandma’s kitchen.

Each slice tells a story of traditional American cooking, rich with memories and warmth.

Rich, juicy, and packed with robust flavors, this meatloaf will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make extra, because this recipe disappears faster than you can say “pass the ketchup”!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Worth Making

• Savor Home-Style Comfort: This meatloaf delivers classic Southern cooking right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Cooking: The recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, Ritz crackers, and ketchup glaze, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Restaurant-Quality Replica: Mimic the beloved Cracker Barrel recipe with easy-to-find ingredients, bringing that nostalgic restaurant taste directly into your home without the need for dining out.

Ingredients to Recreate Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the main body of the meatloaf with rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture to the meatloaf.
• Ritz Crackers, Diced Tomatoes: Add moisture and help create a tender, soft meatloaf texture.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Add depth of flavor and aromatic notes to the meatloaf.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Ketchup: Provides a tangy, sweet glaze that caramelizes during baking and adds a signature flavor.

How to Prepare Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for super easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Create Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Eggs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Drained diced tomatoes
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Mix everything gently using your hands or a wooden spoon. Don’t go crazy mixing – you want the meat to stay tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Dump the meat mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to form a neat, compact loaf.

Make sure it’s evenly thick so it cooks perfectly all the way through.

Step 4: Initial Cooking Blast

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

When the timer dings, pull it out of the oven.

Step 5: Glaze It Up

Grab a pastry brush and slather ketchup all over the top and sides of the partially cooked meatloaf.

This will give it a tangy, delicious coating.

Step 6: Final Bake to Perfection

Pop the meatloaf back in the oven for another 30 minutes.

You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to devour.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf chill for 10 minutes.

This magical resting time helps the juices settle, making every bite super moist and packed with flavor.

Insider Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier meatloaf that's not too greasy and maintains a tender texture.
• Sauté onions and peppers beforehand to release their natural sweetness and reduce excess moisture in the final dish.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding of the meatloaf ingredients.
• Let the meatloaf rest completely before slicing to lock in maximum juiciness and prevent crumbling.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Variations on Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Veggie-Packed Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with a mixture of ground turkey and finely chopped mushrooms for a leaner, more nutritious version that maintains moisture and adds earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meatloaf: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic dish.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Substitute crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the meatloaf tender and packed with protein for keto dieters.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano into the meat mixture, transforming the traditional recipe with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and a zesty profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich, savory meatloaf, soaking up the tangy ketchup glaze and adding a smooth texture contrast.
• A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, meaty main dish, cutting through the richness with bright, acidic notes.
• A medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the meatloaf's robust flavors, with its tannins and fruit undertones creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storage Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen meatloaf maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals until heated through, preventing dryness.

FAQs

• Why use Ritz crackers in this meatloaf recipe?

Ritz crackers act as a binding agent and add a subtle buttery flavor, creating a more tender and moist texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or a mix of ground meats like beef and pork, but keep in mind this might slightly alter the classic Cracker Barrel flavor profile.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf brings comfort and nostalgia to home-cooked dinners with its hearty blend of ground beef, savory seasonings, and rich tomato glaze. Families can easily recreate this classic American dish that promises warmth and satisfaction at their own dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (0.9 kg) ground beef (80/20)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 cup green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for convenient cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, eggs, salt, pepper, drained tomatoes, and crushed Ritz crackers using hands or a wooden spoon. Mix gently to maintain meat’s tenderness.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a compact, evenly thick loaf on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring uniform cooking potential.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, creating an initial cooking foundation.
5. Remove from oven and generously brush the entire surface with ketchup, creating a tangy, glossy coating that will caramelize during the final baking stage.
6. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing thorough and safe cooking.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter meatloaf texture that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami depth and provide a subtle tangy complexity to the meat mixture.
• Consider using ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for those wanting lower-fat or vegetarian versions of this classic comfort dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 427 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg