Craving the classic Cracker Barrel meatloaf? This easy copycat recipe recreates that familiar, comforting flavor at home without the restaurant price or wait.
This budget-friendly meatloaf delivers the same savory notes you love from Cracker Barrel, made with common pantry ingredients. It’s a great weeknight dinner and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a warm bowl of potato soup for a cozy meal.
Reasons to Love
- Comforting and familiar. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner.
- Economical. Uses inexpensive, pantry-friendly ingredients like Ritz crackers to stretch the recipe.
- Customizable. Easily adapt seasonings, swap proteins, or adjust for dietary needs like gluten-free or lower sodium.
Ingredients
You don’t need specialty items—this recipe uses affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store, including buttery Ritz crackers for texture and flavor.
Ingredients below make a small meatloaf suitable for about two servings. See the recipe card for exact quantities.
- ground beef (preferably 80/20 for moisture)
- onion, finely chopped
- green bell pepper, finely chopped
- crushed Ritz crackers
- egg
- milk
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- ketchup
- brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- mustard
Check the recipe card for measurements and serving adjustments.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a small baking dish or loaf pan. Follow these steps for a moist, well-flavored meatloaf.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion and bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, egg, milk, and salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly distributed—avoid overworking the meat.
Shape the mixture into a small loaf and place it in the prepared baking dish or an 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes to set the shape.
While the loaf begins baking, whisk together the topping: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
Remove the loaf from the oven, brush the glaze evenly over the top, then return it to the oven.
Bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the loaf is cooked through.
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute so slices stay moist and neat.
Hint: Resting makes slicing easier and keeps the meatloaf juicier—slice after it rests for the best texture.
Variations
Customize the meatloaf to match your preferences. A few tasty options:
- Bacon: Fold in chopped cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Extra cheese: Add more shredded cheddar or try pepper jack for a little heat.
- Seasoning: Smoked paprika, fresh rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne can change the profile.
- Sauce swap: Brush on barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze for a smoky-sweet finish.
For a different twist, try adding soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Tips
Top tip: Use an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for moist, flavorful meatloaf.
- Adjust proteins: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if preferred; expect slightly different texture.
- Monitor doneness: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—160°F (71°C) is the safe internal temperature for ground beef.
- Prep ahead: Mix the loaf in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld; shape and bake when ready to serve.
Serving suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted or crisp green beans, or warm cornbread. A mushroom gravy or extra glaze on the side adds richness.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, slice into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy comfort-food recipes for two, try other favorites like Sloppy Joe casserole, easy beef stew, chicken divan casserole, hearty stuffed cabbage rolls, or a simple chicken pot pie casserole.
Questions about this recipe
If you have a question, leave a comment on the recipe or consult an AI tool for quick suggestions based on this recipe.
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Recipe
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat)
10 mins
32 mins
42 mins
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a small baking dish well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients and mix gently until combined.
- Form the mixture into a small loaf and place it in the prepared dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes to set the loaf.
- Whisk together the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove the loaf, brush with the topping, then return to the oven.
- Bake another 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (160°F internal temperature).
Notes
An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio gives the best balance of flavor and moisture. You can substitute leaner meats or plant-based proteins if desired. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness and avoid overcooking. For deeper flavor, prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 28 g
Equipment
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