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This hearty Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe brings the comfort of the famous restaurant right to your dinner table. I've perfected this copycat version after many attempts, and it captures all the flavors that make the original so beloved. The tangy sweet glaze over a perfectly seasoned meat mixture creates that nostalgic flavor we all crave.
I first made this recipe when my family was craving Cracker Barrel during a snowstorm and we couldn't get out. The first bite transported us straight to our favorite restaurant booth. Now it's our go to comfort meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients
- Ground beef The 80/20 lean to fat ratio provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Look for freshly ground beef with a bright red color.
- Onion and green bell pepper These aromatics add essential flavor and moisture. Choose firm vegetables and dice them finely for the best texture.
- Ritz cracker crumbs These buttery crackers are the secret ingredient that makes this truly taste like Cracker Barrel's version. Crush them finely but not into dust.
- Egg Acts as a binder to hold everything together. Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
- Milk Adds moisture and richness. Whole milk works best.
- Cheddar cheese Brings savory depth and richness. Use freshly shredded rather than pre packaged for better melting.
- Ketchup Forms the base of the signature glaze. Use a high quality brand for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar Creates that caramelized sweet crust. Dark brown sugar adds more molasses flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce Adds umami depth to the glaze. Just a little goes a long way.
- Mustard Provides tanginess to balance the sweet glaze. Regular yellow mustard works perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease your baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. A light coating of cooking spray works perfectly.
- Mix the meatloaf
- Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. Use clean hands to gently knead the mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing which can make the meatloaf tough. You want to see small pieces of onion and pepper distributed throughout.
- Form the loaf
- Shape the meat mixture into a small loaf and place it in your prepared baking dish. Pat it gently to maintain a cohesive shape without compacting it too firmly. Slightly rounded on top works best for the glaze to adhere.
- Initial bake
- Bake the meatloaf for 15 minutes. This initial cooking helps set the shape and begins the cooking process. The meatloaf will start to firm up but won't be fully cooked yet.
- Prepare the glaze
- While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl until smooth. This tangy sweet glaze is what gives this meatloaf its signature Cracker Barrel flavor profile.
- Apply the glaze
- Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze generously over the top and sides. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that authentic taste in every bite.
- Final bake
- Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The glaze will become gloriously sticky and slightly caramelized.
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The Ritz crackers are truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I once tried substituting regular breadcrumbs and while the meatloaf was good, it lacked that distinctive Cracker Barrel flavor. My husband immediately noticed the difference and requested I go back to the original recipe. The buttery flavor those crackers impart is simply irreplaceable.
Make Ahead and Storage
This meatloaf is perfect for meal prep. You can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. The flavors actually improve as they meld together.
Leftover meatloaf stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the cooled meatloaf and freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and foil. These frozen portions will keep for up to 3 months and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Perfect Pairings
For the complete Cracker Barrel experience, serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. The creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze, while the green beans provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich meatloaf.
Other classic sides that work beautifully include mac and cheese, corn, or a simple garden salad. For bread, nothing beats warm biscuits or cornbread to round out the meal.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs. Ground turkey can substitute for beef to create a lighter version, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture.
For a gluten free version, replace the Ritz crackers with gluten free crackers or oats. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Spice lovers can add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze or mix in some diced jalapeños with the bell peppers for a kick of heat that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
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Common Questions Answered
- → What makes this meatloaf taste like Cracker Barrel's?
The authentic Cracker Barrel flavor comes from three key elements: the use of crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, the addition of shredded cheddar cheese in the meat mixture, and the distinctive sweet-tangy glaze made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- → Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually allows the flavors to meld together better. You can also mix the glaze ingredients ahead and store separately until ready to use.
- → What's the best ground beef to use for meatloaf?
An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef is recommended for the best flavor and moisture. If you use leaner meat, the meatloaf might turn out drier, so you may want to add a bit more milk or even a tablespoon of olive oil to compensate.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein alternative. Keep in mind that leaner substitutes might result in a drier texture, so consider adding a bit more moisture with additional milk or even a tablespoon of olive oil.
- → How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Visually, the meatloaf should be browned on the outside, and when cut, the inside should no longer be pink.
- → What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
Traditional sides that pair wonderfully with this meatloaf include mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, or a simple garden salad. For an authentic Cracker Barrel experience, serve with mashed potatoes and green beans or corn.