When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes hit the spot quite like a classic meatloaf. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf takes everything you love about the original — the tender, flavorful beef, the sweet and tangy glaze, and the perfectly baked crust — and brings it straight to your kitchen table.

Cracker Barrel’s version is famous for its homestyle goodness and satisfying simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients and a little prep, you can recreate that iconic taste in your own oven. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, this meatloaf brings that Southern comfort straight to your plate.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the prep, let’s make sure your kitchen is equipped. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients evenly without overworking the meat. You’ll also need a sturdy loaf pan to shape and bake the meatloaf properly, helping it hold together and cook evenly.

A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F without overbaking. A silicone spatula or wooden spoon will help you mix everything while keeping the texture light. Finally, a small saucepan comes in handy if you decide to warm up the glaze before applying it, which enhances the flavor even more.

Ingredients for the Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Ground Beef – The heart of the dish. Go for an 80/20 blend for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
Onion – Adds moisture and a mild, savory depth.

Green Bell Pepper – Provides color and a hint of sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.
Crushed Ritz Crackers – These replace breadcrumbs and add buttery flavor and soft texture.
Milk – Helps soften the crackers and keeps the loaf tender.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients together so the loaf holds its shape.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – A signature twist that adds creamy, melty bites in every slice.
Salt & Pepper – Seasoning essentials for balanced flavor.

Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Mustard – The glaze trifecta: sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of zing.

How To Make the Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, milk, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan, pressing it in gently to fit the shape. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While it bakes, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl or saucepan. Warm it slightly for better consistency.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf and spread the glaze generously over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Serving and Storing This Southern Classic

Serve the meatloaf warm, sliced thick alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. It also makes excellent leftover sandwiches the next day.

To store, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different and you may need to adjust seasoning to boost flavor.

Can I prep this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?

Breadcrumbs or crushed saltines work well as alternatives, though Ritz adds a buttery flavor.

Can I skip the cheese?

You can, but the cheese adds a creamy texture that makes this version unique.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

Be sure to measure your binders (egg and cracker) properly. Overmixing can also lead to crumbling.

How do I know it’s done?

Use a meat thermometer. When it hits 160°F in the center, you’re good to go.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting dinners:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy twist.
Taco Ranch Bites for a fun, bold-flavored appetizer.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells when you’re craving something creamy and Italian.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for kid-friendly pizza in a muffin form.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a baked twist on a French classic.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cheese or spice up the glaze? Have a question? Share your tips and tweaks — let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf delivers all the Southern comfort you crave, with a perfect balance of juicy ground beef, a tender cheesy center, and a sweet tangy glaze. It’s an easy-to-make homestyle classic that brings hearty warmth to every bite, just like the one from your favorite roadside restaurant.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and gently press it into shape. Bake for 30 minutes.

4. While baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Warm slightly for a smoother glaze.

5. After 30 minutes, remove meatloaf from oven and spread glaze on top. Return to oven and bake another 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.