Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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