There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf filling your kitchen. This classic recipe takes a hearty blend of ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, finishing it with a tangy, sweet glaze that makes it irresistible.
I first came across this recipe while searching for the perfect meal to impress guests without too much fuss. After perfecting it over the years, it’s become a family favorite, especially for Sunday dinners. Let me show you how to bring this iconic dish to your table.
Why You'll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Get ready to add a new family favorite to your recipe rotation. This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is everything comfort food should be: simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
First, it’s a breeze to make. Using pantry staples like ketchup, crackers, and Worcestershire sauce, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Plus, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time, making dinner prep seamless on busy evenings.
The texture is unbeatable. Moist and tender with just the right amount of structure, this meatloaf slices beautifully without falling apart. It’s the ultimate balance of hearty ground beef and flavorful mix-ins like sautéed onions and green peppers.
And let’s talk about that glaze. A mixture of ketchup and brown sugar creates a sticky-sweet topping that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. It’s the perfect finishing touch, taking this meatloaf to restaurant-quality levels right in your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal planning lineup.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf lies in its simplicity. With a few well-chosen ingredients, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best combination of flavor and moisture. This ratio ensures your meatloaf is juicy without being overly greasy.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers are a key ingredient, giving the meatloaf its soft, tender texture. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, bread crumbs work as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Onions and Bell Peppers: Finely diced onions and green bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and a pleasant crunch. Be sure to sauté them before mixing to enhance their flavor and ensure a smooth texture in the meatloaf.
Eggs: These act as a binder, holding everything together. Make sure to whisk them well before adding them to the mixture for even incorporation.
Ketchup and Brown Sugar Glaze: The glaze is what makes this recipe shine. The sweetness of the brown sugar balances the tangy ketchup, creating a topping you’ll want to slather on everything.
No special equipment is needed, but a loaf pan ensures even cooking and helps maintain the traditional meatloaf shape. If you don’t have one, you can shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet.
How To Make This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting, delicious dinner in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a standard loaf pan or baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions and bell peppers in a bit of butter or oil until they’re soft and translucent. This step enhances their sweetness and ensures they integrate smoothly into the meat mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, and a splash of milk. Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, along with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything gently until just combined – overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan, pressing it down lightly to eliminate air pockets. Smooth out the top for even cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar for the glaze. Spread it generously over the top of the meatloaf, making sure to cover the edges. This ensures every slice gets a bit of that caramelized topping.
Bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Storage Options
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To store, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple: warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For frozen meatloaf, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add a bit of olive oil to prevent dryness.
- Cheese Lover’s Meatloaf: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture for a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or bread crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the mix or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for some heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate grated carrots or zucchini for added moisture and a nutritional boost.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a fantastic base for getting creative in the kitchen. Who knows – your twist on this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf might just become the new family favorite.
PrintCracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Enjoy a homemade version of the famous Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe with a blend of savory spices, fresh vegetables, and a sweet tomato glaze. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe is ideal for meatloaf lovers who crave a restaurant-style meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of loaf)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
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