Grandma’s Secret Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that promises to warm your soul.

Tender ground beef mingles with classic seasonings and a secret ingredient that elevates every bite.

Home cooks have long cherished this nostalgic dish for its rich, satisfying flavors.

The combination of crackers and savory herbs creates a meatloaf that melts in your mouth with each forkful.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

This recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious culinary journey and savor every delectable moment.

Tools That Help You Bake Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meatloaf ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Essential for shaping and baking the meatloaf evenly.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the glaze ingredients quickly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking the meatloaf's internal temperature for safe cooking.

How To Cook Cracker Barrel Meatloaf The Easy Way

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a baking sheet and give it a light coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Mixing Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef with chopped onions, green peppers, crushed crackers, and shredded cheese. Crack in some eggs and splash of milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

• Loaf Shaping

Tenderly transfer the meaty mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rustic, free-form loaf that looks homemade and inviting.

• First Bake

Slide the meatloaf into the warm oven and let it bake for half an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

• Glaze Creation

While the meatloaf is cooking, whip up a tangy glaze by stirring together ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of mustard until smooth and glossy.

• Glaze Application

Pull the meatloaf out and lovingly brush the entire surface with the sweet and zesty glaze, covering every inch.

• Final Bake

Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 30 minutes. The glaze will caramelize and create a mouthwatering golden crust.

• Resting and Serving

Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices settle, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Tips To Enhance Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Flavor

• Meaty Masterpiece Tricks: Expert Tips for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum moisture and rich flavor. Leaner meats can result in a drier meatloaf, so stick with a balanced blend.
• Cracker Crush Technique: Crush Ritz crackers into fine, even crumbs for better binding and smoother texture. Use a food processor or roll crackers in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F internally. This guarantees safe cooking while maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Glaze Game Changer: For extra caramelization, broil the glazed meatloaf for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning and create a delicious crispy top.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free version, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free option.

Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Warm And Satisfying

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Pair this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic, nostalgic dinner that warms the soul.
• Rustic Family Feast: Serve alongside roasted carrots, buttered corn, and a fresh garden salad to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies every family member's appetite.
• Southern-Style Spread: Complement the meatloaf with homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, and soft buttermilk biscuits for an authentic Southern-inspired dining experience.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining slices into delicious sandwiches the next day, using soft bread, a smear of mustard, and crisp lettuce for a quick and tasty lunch option.

Storage Tips For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Leftovers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Hack: Slice meatloaf into individual portions before freezing. Place pieces in freezer-safe containers or sealed freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. For microwaving, use 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out the meat.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare extra meatloaf during weekend cooking sessions. Create versatile leftovers by transforming cold slices into sandwiches, crumbling into salads, or using as a protein-packed topping for quick weeknight meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation with rich flavor, choose lean cuts for balanced texture.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base note, select fresh firm onions for best crunch.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides subtle vegetable sweetness and vibrant color, pick crisp peppers without blemishes.
• Ritz Crackers: Creates tender binding and adds delicate buttery undertone, crush finely for smooth integration.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces creamy melting richness, opt for sharp variety for intense flavor profile.
• Eggs: Acts as crucial binding agent ensuring structural integrity, use fresh room temperature eggs.
• Whole Milk: Contributes moisture and softens meat mixture, select full-fat version for optimal tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and flavor development, use kosher salt for balanced distribution.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle warming spiciness, freshly ground offers most vibrant taste.

• Ketchup: Creates tangy sweet base layer, choose thick traditional style ketchup.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers caramelized sweetness and glossy finish, select dark variety for deeper flavor.
• Yellow Mustard: Introduces zesty undertone balancing sweetness, use classic prepared yellow mustard.

Hearty Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel meatloaf delights home cooks with classic comfort flavors. Family-friendly ingredients combine for a hearty main dish you’ll savor with pride.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light oil coating for seamless meatloaf preparation.
2. Mixture Development: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, eggs, and milk. Season with salt and pepper, blending ingredients gently to maintain a light texture without overworking the meat.
3. Loaf Formation: Shape the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf approximately 9-5 inches long, positioning it centrally on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
4. Initial Roasting: Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing deep flavor development and initial cooking of the meat.
5. Glaze Creation: While the meatloaf roasts, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create a vibrant, glossy finishing sauce.
6. Glazing and Final Baking: Remove meatloaf, generously brush with the prepared glaze, covering the entire surface. Return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) for food safety.
7. Resting and Serving: Once fully cooked, remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest briefly. This pause allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful dining experience. Slice and serve warm, presenting a classic Cracker Barrel-style dish.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Meat: Gently mix ingredients to avoid tough, dense meatloaf; mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Cracker Selection Matters: Use Ritz crackers for authentic flavor and optimal moisture; avoid substituting with other crackers that might alter texture.
• Glaze Application Technique: Apply glaze during final cooking stage to prevent burning; brush evenly for caramelized, glossy surface without charring.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm 160F internal temperature; ensures food safety without overcooking and drying out meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg