Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Here’s the full Cracker Barrel–style meatloaf recipe that people rave about—moist, cheesy, and packed with flavor 👇

🥩 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 32 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped

🍅 Topping (Glaze)

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix the base
   In a large bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
3. Add flavor & texture
   Stir in crushed crackers, onion, cheese, salt, pepper, and bell pepper.
4. Add the meat
   Add the ground beef and mix everything gently (don’t overmix so it stays juicy).
5. Shape the meatloaf
   Place the mixture in a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
6. Make the glaze
   In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
7. Top it
   Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
8. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
9. Add more glaze
   Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze, and bake another 15–20 minutes.
10. Rest & serve
    Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing (this keeps it juicy).

🔥 Tips for BEST results

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy texture
• Don’t skip the crackers—they replace breadcrumbs and add buttery flavor
• Let it rest before cutting so it doesn’t fall apart

🍽️ Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes 🥔
• Green beans 🥬
• Mac & cheese 🧀

If you want, I can give you a secret restaurant trick to make it even more tender and flavorful 😉