Description
This Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is a juicy, cheesy copycat packed with rich flavor and topped with a sweet tangy glaze. Made with simple ingredients like Ritz crackers and cheddar, it delivers tender texture and classic comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a lined baking sheet.
- Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft, then let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix crushed crackers, eggs, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add ground beef and cooled vegetables, mixing gently until combined.
- Shape into a loaf and bake for 30 minutes.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, then spread over meatloaf.
- Bake another 30 minutes until fully cooked to 160°F.
- Rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender. Let it rest before slicing for clean cuts. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Adjust crackers or milk if texture feels too dry or too wet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg