Cracker Barrel Meatloaf 😋 – A Comfort Classic You’ll Never Forget!
If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, you know that their meatloaf is one of the most comforting, home-style dishes on the menu. It’s tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and topped with that irresistible sweet and tangy glaze. The good news? You can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen — and it might even taste better homemade!
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings that down-home flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to grandparents will ask for seconds.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
Better Than the Restaurant: You control the flavor, texture, and portion size!
Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the combination of ground beef, crackers, and glaze.
🍽️ Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper (optional but adds a touch of sweetness)
1 1/2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1/2 cup ketchup.
- Mix everything together gently — don’t overwork the meat, or your loaf will turn out dense.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, and 1/4 cup ketchup for the glaze. Spread this evenly over the top.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
🥔 What to Serve With Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with traditional Southern sides like:
Mashed potatoes with brown gravy
Green beans or collard greens
Macaroni and cheese
Cornbread or dinner rolls
Coleslaw or roasted vegetables
For the ultimate comfort meal, don’t forget a drizzle of extra glaze on each slice!
💡 Tips for the Best Meatloaf Ever
Use lean beef (85-90%) to keep it moist without being greasy.
Crushed Ritz crackers give it that signature buttery flavor — don’t skip them!
Let it rest before slicing to help it hold together.
Double the glaze if you love that sweet tangy topping (everyone does!).
❤️ A Recipe Worth Keeping
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf isn’t just another dinner recipe — it’s pure nostalgia. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone gather around the table. Once you try it, you’ll never lose this recipe again — promise!
If you love cozy, family-style recipes like this, save this post, share it with your friends, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!