The Best Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Ever Made

Craving a hearty meatloaf that brings back warm memories of comfort meals?

Southern-style cracker barrel meatloaf delivers pure culinary nostalgia with its rich, savory profile.

Meat lovers appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something truly magical.

Home cooks can replicate this restaurant favorite without complicated techniques.

My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled incredible when these classic flavors mingled together.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef promises a delicious dinner that satisfies everyone around the table.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – Fan Favorite Factors

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a classic meatloaf that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, reminding you of home-cooked meals that always hit the spot.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Whip up this recipe with minimal effort, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and crackers, this meatloaf satisfies everyone from kids to adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.
• Versatile Dinner Option: Easily pair with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it a flexible dish for casual family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Essential Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the foundation of this classic meatloaf.

• Eggs, Milk, Crushed Crackers: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist and tender.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Cheddar Cheese, Ketchup, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: These components add depth, richness, and a savory kick to the meatloaf, creating a well-rounded and delicious dish.

Stepwise Instructions For Classic Meatloaf Style

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature ensures even cooking and helps develop a delicious golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Crushed crackers
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Thoroughly mix all ingredients until they’re perfectly blended, ensuring every bite will be packed with incredible taste.

Step 3: Shape The Hearty Loaf

Mold the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape.

Transfer the formed loaf into a well-greased baking pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Tangy Topping

Generously spread a layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf.

This adds a delightful tangy flavor and creates a beautiful glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice incredibly moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve to hungry guests.

Best Practices For Moist, Tender Meatloaf

• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a more tender, juicy meatloaf that melts in your mouth.
• Add milk-soaked breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to maintain moisture and create a softer, more delicious result.
• Incorporate Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth to intensify the savory profile and add complexity to the meat mixture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and avoid overcooking, keeping the meatloaf perfectly moist and safe to eat.
• Slice and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze individual portions for quick future meals.

Creative Twists On Classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead of traditional crackers, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meatloaf.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils, mixed with extra vegetables and binding ingredients to create a hearty meatless loaf.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Remove crackers and use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb binder, keeping the core recipe's essence while meeting ketogenic dietary requirements.

Serving Copycat Meatloaf For Family Gatherings

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious meat juices and complement its rich flavor.
• Veggie Side Harmony: Pair with roasted green beans or glazed carrots to add color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the savory meatloaf.
• Comfort Meal Combo: Create a classic southern-style plate by adding soft buttermilk biscuits or warm cornbread as a delightful bread accompaniment that soaks up extra ketchup topping.
• Weekend Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into delicious sandwiches the next day, using fresh bread, a slice of melted cheese, and a smear of mustard for an easy lunch option.

Storing Leftover Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Well

• Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice meatloaf, place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for a lighter version of the meatloaf.

• What crackers work best for this recipe?

Ritz crackers are ideal, but saltine crackers or breadcrumbs can also be used as a binding agent and for texture.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in ingredients like milk and eggs, and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove from oven when it reaches 160F.

• Is it necessary to add cheese to the meatloaf?

No, the cheese is optional. It adds moisture and flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.

Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers hearty comfort straight from Southern kitchens with rich ground beef and classic seasonings. Homemade goodness brings warmth to dinner tables, inviting you to savor each delicious, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onions
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced green bell peppers

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground beef with finely chopped onions, diced bell peppers, crushed crackers, whisked eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring no air pockets remain.
3. Transfer the raw meatloaf into a lightly greased baking pan, maintaining its structured form.
4. Generously drizzle a vibrant layer of ketchup across the top surface, creating a tangy glaze that will caramelize during cooking.
5. Position the loaf in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 60-70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), ensuring thorough cooking.
6. Remove from oven and permit the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall texture and flavor.
7. Slice into hearty portions and serve warm, presenting a classic comfort meal with rich, savory notes.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat and calories.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms to boost moisture and create a more complex flavor profile without changing the texture dramatically.
• Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for a deeper, richer taste that elevates the classic meatloaf recipe.
• Create individual mini meatloaves in a muffin tin to reduce cooking time and make portion control easier for meal prep and serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg