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.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
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.
Notes
Let the meatloaf rest after baking to make slicing cleaner and easier.
Do not overmix the meat mixture—gentle hands yield a more tender result.
Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: meatloaf, cracker barrel copycat, comfort food