Here’s a Cracker Barrel–style Meatloaf that’s very close to the restaurant version—tender, savory, and topped with that sweet tomato glaze 🍽️
🍖 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat)
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 25–30 crackers)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix crushed crackers and milk. Let soak 1–2 minutes.
- Add eggs, onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Gently fold in ground beef until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Shape into a loaf or place in pan.
- Mix glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Remove, spread remaining glaze on top, and return to oven.
- Bake another 15–20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F / 71°C.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Mac & cheese
Tips
- For extra moisture, add 1–2 tbsp melted butter to the meat mixture.
- Don’t pack the loaf tightly—keep it light.
If you’d like, I can also give you the Cracker Barrel meatloaf with tomato soup, a slow-cooker version, or mini meatloaves 👍
