Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort in Every Bite

Cracker barrel meatloaf has become a cherished comfort dish that brings warmth to dinner tables across America.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty classic with simple ingredients and love.

Meat blends seamlessly with rich seasonings, creating a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Families gather around, anticipating each delectable slice with excitement.

Regional kitchens have their own unique twists on this beloved recipe.

Robust flavors and tender textures make this meatloaf a standout centerpiece for any meal.

You won’t want to miss discovering how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Meatloaf So Delicious

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic meatloaf brings nostalgic family dinner memories with its hearty, satisfying flavor profile that reminds everyone of home-cooked goodness.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Simple ingredients like Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese allow easy adaptation for different taste preferences while keeping the core recipe intact.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Straightforward preparation method means you can mix ingredients, shape the loaf, and have a delicious main course ready with minimal kitchen effort.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Sweet and tangy topping with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard transforms standard meatloaf into a memorable dish that delights taste buds and adds excitement to the meal.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that forms the primary structure of the meatloaf.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds richness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a tangy and creamy flavor to the meatloaf.

• Ritz Crackers: Crushed crackers that serve as a breadcrumb substitute and add a subtle buttery flavor.
• Onion: Fresh chopped vegetable that brings a savory depth to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Combination of sweet and tangy ingredients that create a caramelized glaze for the meatloaf.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Warming Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your delicious meatloaf.

Step 2: Creating the Wet Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the eggs until they’re light and fluffy. Pour in the milk and crush those Ritz crackers right into the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Adding Flavor Boosters

• Finely chopped onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Blend these ingredients thoroughly into your egg mixture, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Step 4: Forming the Meat Mixture

Add the ground beef to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t overmix – just combine until everything looks well incorporated.

Step 5: Shaping the Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Gently shape it into a classic loaf form, making sure it’s evenly spread and compact.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through.

Step 7: Preparing the Tangy Topping

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 8: First Topping Application

After 30 minutes of baking, carefully pull out the meatloaf and generously spread half of the tangy sauce over the top.

Step 9: Continuing the Bake

Return the meatloaf to the oven and let it cook for another 10 minutes. This helps the first layer of topping caramelize slightly.

Step 10: Final Topping and Finishing

In the last stage, pour the remaining sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully caramelized top and the meatloaf to be completely cooked through.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure even distribution and better binding in the meatloaf mixture.
• Sauté onions beforehand to mellow their sharp flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for a more robust and melty texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F for safe consumption.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.

Variations to Customize Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed tortilla chips, add diced jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with salsa instead of traditional ketchup mixture.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Mix in chopped fresh basil, oregano, and feta cheese. Use ground lamb instead of beef. Create a topping with sun-dried tomato paste and olive oil.
• Smoky BBQ Bacon Meatloaf: Fold crispy bacon bits into the meat mixture. Replace ketchup topping with smoky barbecue sauce. Sprinkle additional crispy bacon on top before serving.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese into the meat mixture. Create a rich mushroom gravy to replace the ketchup topping.

Pairing Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its hearty texture with smooth tannins.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to add a caramelized sweetness that echoes the meatloaf's brown sugar glaze and provides a nutritious side.
• Create Creamy Mashed Potato Companion: Whip up classic mashed potatoes with butter and a touch of sour cream, offering a silky, comforting base that balances the meatloaf's robust meat and tangy ketchup topping.

Proper Storage for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the internal temperature remains below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Why use Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs?

Ritz crackers add a buttery, rich flavor and help keep the meatloaf moist, creating a more tender texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork as alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor and fat content will slightly change the final result.

• Is the cheese necessary for the recipe?

The cheddar cheese adds extra richness and flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter meatloaf or have dairy restrictions.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures the ground beef is safely cooked through.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 75-80 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cracker Barrel meatloaf delivers classic comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending rich ground beef with savory seasonings. Generous portions and homestyle flavors invite you to savor a delicious slice of nostalgic American cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 4 ounces (113 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 32 Ritz crackers, crushed

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped onion

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and frothy.
2. Pour milk and crumble Ritz crackers into the eggs, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform base.
3. Fold diced onions and grated cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Gently incorporate ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, blending carefully without overmixing.
5. Mold the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf shape within a baking dish.
6. Heat oven to 350F and position the dish in the center rack.
7. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes, allowing initial cooking and flavor development.
8. Simultaneously, craft the glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until glossy and well-combined.
9. Remove meatloaf and generously brush half the prepared glaze across the surface.
10. Return to oven and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, periodically checking internal temperature.
11. Apply remaining glaze during the final 5-10 minutes of cooking, creating a caramelized, tangy crust.
12. Verify doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 160F, then let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure a smooth, consistent texture throughout the meatloaf mixture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy final dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Adjust the sweet-tangy topping by balancing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to suit personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 478 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg