Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel's famous meatloaf—juicy, tender, and packed with rich, homestyle flavors. This easy copycat recipe brings all the warmth of the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen.

I first tried Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf on a road trip, and it instantly reminded me of the meatloaf my grandmother used to make. After some trial and error, I perfected this homemade version that’s just as moist and flavorful as the original.

Keep reading to see why this Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf will be a new staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Get ready to fall in love with this meatloaf recipe—it's the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite!

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have a hearty dinner on the table with minimal effort.

The secret ingredient? Crushed Ritz crackers. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, these crackers add a buttery richness that makes this meatloaf extra tender and flavorful.

And let’s not forget the signature glaze! The sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar topping caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the meatloaf a glossy, irresistible finish.

Best of all, this recipe is great for meal prep. Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for sandwiches, meal prepping, or freezing for later.

If you're craving some down-home comfort food, this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is exactly what you need.

Ingredients Notes

This Cracker Barrel copycat meatloaf comes together with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that pack in tons of flavor.

• Ground beef – I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and tenderness. Leaner beef can result in a drier meatloaf.
• Ritz crackers – These buttery crackers are a game-changer! They keep the meatloaf moist and add a slightly richer flavor than breadcrumbs.
• Onion & bell pepper – Finely diced onion and green bell pepper add classic Cracker Barrel flavor and a little bit of texture to the loaf.
• Eggs – Help bind everything together so the meatloaf holds its shape.
• Milk – Keeps the mixture moist and prevents the meatloaf from drying out.
• Ketchup – Used in both the meat mixture and the glaze, ketchup adds tangy sweetness that makes this meatloaf shine.
• Brown sugar & mustard – These two ingredients create that signature glaze—sticky, sweet, and a little tangy!

You’ll also need a mixing bowl, loaf pan, and a baking sheet to make the process smooth and easy.

How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this homemade meatloaf is simple! Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, eggs, milk, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatloaf may turn out tough!

2. Shape and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the meatloaf to firm up before adding the glaze.

3. Make the Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy sauce gives the meatloaf its Cracker Barrel-style finish.

4. Add the Glaze and Finish Baking

After 40 minutes, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Let it Rest and Serve

Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice moist and tender.

Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a true Southern comfort meal!

Storage Options

This copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave slices for about a minute.

Pro tip: If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is how easy it is to customize!

• Swap the protein – Try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra juiciness. Ground turkey also works for a leaner version!
• Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free crackers or quick oats instead of Ritz crackers.
• Add cheese – Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier meatloaf.
• Spice it up – If you like a little heat, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
• Use barbecue sauce – Swap the ketchup glaze for barbecue sauce for a smoky, slightly tangy twist.

No matter how you tweak it, this copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is always a crowd-pleaser.

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