Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings together comforting flavors and a tender, cheesy texture that’s perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare and packed with savory ingredients, it will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Prepare your baking pan by lining a baking sheet with foil, or if using a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper to easily lift out the meatloaf and drain grease after baking.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Sauté the finely chopped onion and bell pepper for 5-6 minutes until softened and onions are translucent. Allow to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly and evenly.
- Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan.
- Step 5: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes uncovered.
- Step 6: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.
- Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze evenly over the top, then return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155º F.
- Step 8: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes. Carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper to drain any excess grease before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but watch cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten the flavor.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed breadcrumbs or oat flakes can work as a binder.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture the day before and refrigerate it. Just loosely cover and shape it before baking the next day for fresher flavor and texture.
What temperature should the meatloaf reach to be fully cooked?
The internal temperature should be 155º F to ensure the meatloaf is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A classic Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf featuring a savory blend of ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, Ritz crackers, and cheddar cheese. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, this meatloaf is baked to juicy perfection and makes a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F. If using a baking sheet, line it with foil to make cleanup easier. If using a traditional loaf pan, line it with parchment paper so you can lift out the meatloaf easily and drain any grease before slicing.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil, swirling to coat the pan. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft. Let the mixture cool slightly before using.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion and bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until evenly combined.
- Shape and bake meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Glaze and continue baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 45 minutes and evenly spread the glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155º F.
- Rest the meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. If using parchment paper, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan to allow any excess grease to drain back into the pan.
- Slice and serve: Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve warm for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ground beef with a balanced fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
- The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish—feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste.
- You can substitute crushed saltine crackers for Ritz crackers if preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 155º F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, Cracker Barrel, ground beef, baked meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner, savory glaze
