Homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
This classic meatloaf is made with onions, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and a rich glaze on top. This warm and comforting dish is easy to make at home, with a tender texture and flavorful taste that goes perfectly with buttery biscuits or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy this Cracker Barrel meatloaf as a hearty and satisfying meal.
This Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a balanced flavor. The mix of vegetables, cheese, and crackers gives this Cracker Barrel style meatloaf a tender and juicy bite that feels just like the restaurant version.
CRACKER BARREL’S CLASSIC MEATLOAF
Not all meatloaf tastes the same, and Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a good example of how small changes can make a big difference. Even if meatloaf was not enjoyable in the past, this Cracker Barrel classic meatloaf shows how the right mix of ingredients can improve both texture and taste.
What makes this copycat Cracker Barrel’s classic meatloaf special is the use of soft vegetables, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs. These ingredients help the meat stay moist and give the Cracker Barrel style meatloaf a smooth and rich flavor.
This Cracker Barrel’s classic meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare, but many questions can come up during cooking. You may want to know how to keep the meatloaf moist, what pan works best, how to remove grease, which meat to choose, and how to tell when the Cracker Barrel meatloaf is fully cooked.
All of these points help create the best result when making a copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf at home.
LOAF PAN OR NO LOAF PAN FOR MEATLOAF
When making a Cracker Barrel meatloaf, the pan you use can change the final result. A loaf pan helps keep the Cracker Barrel meatloaf in shape while it bakes. Without a pan, the meat may spread out and lose its form.
A loaf pan also helps the Cracker Barrel classic meatloaf cook evenly. When the heat moves around the pan correctly, the meat cooks through without becoming dry. This helps the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe keep its soft texture and juicy inside.
Using a loaf pan with a removable bottom can also make it easier to lift the copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf out while letting extra grease drain away.
THE BEST MEAT TO USE
The meat you choose is important for a Cracker Barrel meatloaf. Ground beef that is about 80% lean works well because it keeps the meat moist. If the meat is too lean, the Cracker Barrel style meatloaf can turn out dry.
A mix of ground beef, pork, and veal can also be used to make a very soft and flavorful classic meatloaf. These meats are usually mixed in equal parts and are often sold together for meatloaf or meatballs.
This combination helps give the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe a richer taste and a softer bite.
A PERFECT FREEZER FOOD
A Cracker Barrel meatloaf is easy to freeze either after baking or while still raw in the loaf pan. When wrapped tightly in foil, this Cracker Barrel meatloaf can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
If the meatloaf is already baked, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then wrap it in fresh foil and heat it at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until warm. Extra sauce can be added on top if needed. Individual slices of Cracker Barrel style meatloaf can also be heated in the microwave.
If the meatloaf recipe is frozen before baking, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then bake it at 350°F for 30 minutes, add the topping, and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes.
PRO TIPS
Do not mix the meat too much when making a Cracker Barrel meatloaf, because this can make it tough.
Placing bread under the meatloaf or using a pan that drains grease helps remove extra fat.
A baking temperature between 325°F and 350°F helps keep the meatloaf soft and juicy.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven when it reaches about 155°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside.
Use a meat thermometer and make sure the center of the meatloaf reaches 160°F before serving.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH MEATLOAF
Creamy mashed potatoes with brown gravy
Twice baked potato casserole
Skillet potatoes
Roasted carrots or green beans
Copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls or buttermilk biscuits
FAQ
WHAT MAKES CRACKER BARREL MEATLOAF DIFFERENT?
Cracker Barrel classic meatloaf uses soft vegetables, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, which gives it a more tender and rich texture.
WHAT TYPE OF MEAT WORKS BEST FOR THIS RECIPE?
An 80% lean ground beef works well for this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe because it keeps the meat moist. A mix of beef, pork, and veal can also be used for a softer result.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEATLOAF IS DONE?
The copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is ready when the center reaches 160°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.
Looking for more ideas? Try these other easy and tasty meals:
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Ground Beef Alfredo
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Love this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest so you can find it easily next time!
Homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE TOPPING
- ½ to ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a small pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are soft. This helps create a smooth texture and mild flavor. Set aside and let them cool.
- In a large bowl, add the beaten eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, cooked onions, bell peppers, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Add the ground beef and gently mix until just combined. Do not mix too much, as this helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into a loaf pan. Using a loaf pan helps the meat hold its shape and cook evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While it is baking, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl and set aside.
- After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf and spread the topping over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes. Remove it when the inside reaches 155°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. During this time, the temperature will rise and the juices will stay inside. Make sure the center reaches 160°F before serving.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- A mix of ground beef, pork, and veal in equal parts can be used for a softer and more flavorful meatloaf. Many grocery stores sell this blend already prepared for meatloaf or meatballs.
- Placing slices of bread under the meatloaf can help absorb extra grease while it cooks.
- A loaf pan with a removable insert makes it easier to lift the meatloaf out and lets the grease drain away.
- Meatloaf may take 15 to 20 extra minutes to cook at higher altitudes. Smaller meatloaves can help reduce cooking time.
- This meatloaf works well with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and roasted green beans.
Nutrition
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