Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This irresistible Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is pure comfort food, made with tender ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy glaze that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s easy to make, packed with classic flavors, and takes less than 10 minutes to prep—perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving a homemade, hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: With simple prep in just 10 minutes, you can have this meatloaf in the oven doing all the work while you relax.
• Classic Flavor: This recipe has all the nostalgic charm of a homemade meatloaf—juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, just like Grandma used to make!
• Crowd-Pleaser: The rich cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and that irresistible ketchup glaze make this recipe a family favorite.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers or prepare it in advance for a stress-free dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.

• Eggs: Acts as the binder to keep the meatloaf moist and hold it together. Make sure they’re room temperature so they mix well.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the mixture, keeping the meat tender.
• Ritz Crackers: The buttery crackers add an amazing flavor and work as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
• Onion: Finely diced for a sweet, savory punch of flavor that distributes beautifully throughout the dish.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives the meatloaf an irresistible richness and a slightly sharp kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for seasoning.
• Ground Beef: Stick to ground beef with some fat content (80/20) for the juiciest, most flavorful texture.
• Ketchup: Creates the sweet and tangy glaze that’s signature to this recipe.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a hit of sweetness to balance the tang.
• Mustard: Adds tangy depth to the glaze for a zesty finish.

Tip: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs can work as a substitute!

Variations

• Switch Up the Meat: Want a leaner option? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or go half-and-half for a lighter twist.
• Heat Lovers: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Mix grated carrots, zucchini, or even spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrients.
• Different Cheeses: Try swapping sharp cheddar with gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique cheesy flavor.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, crack the eggs and give them a quick whisk.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Add the milk and crushed Ritz crackers into the eggs, allowing the crackers to soak up the moisture. Stir in the diced onion and shredded cheddar cheese for that pop of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine with Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the egg mixture and gently mix everything by hand until evenly combined. Avoid over-mixing! This keeps the meatloaf tender instead of dense.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the beef mixture into the dish and shape it into a loaf. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the meatloaf is baking, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. This sweet, tangy glaze is the star of the show!

Step 6: Glaze and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes of baking, pour half the glaze over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Return it to the oven for another 15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

• Don’t Over-Mix: Overworking the ground beef will lead to a dense, dry meatloaf. Mix just until combined.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
• Avoid Watery Meatloaf: Dice the onion finely to avoid large chunks that release too much moisture during cooking.
• Double Batch It: Make two loaves at once and freeze one for an easy future dinner.

How to Serve

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a comforting classic that pairs well with so many sides. Serve it up with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven with this richly glazed meatloaf.
• Roasted Veggies: Think green beans, carrots, or brussels sprouts for a healthy balance.
• Buttery Rolls: Sop up every last bit of glaze with soft, warm rolls.
• Side Salad: Add a bright, crisp garden salad with your favorite dressing to lighten up the meal.

Don’t forget to garnish your meatloaf with a sprinkle of parsley or extra shredded cheese for presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Wrap the meatloaf tightly or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This meatloaf freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the Ritz crackers with something else?
Yes! Finely crushed saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs work perfectly as substitutes. Just make sure they’re similar in quantity to maintain the texture.

2. What type of ground beef is best?
Opt for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat adds flavor and moisture, keeping your meatloaf juicy and tender.

3. Can I make this meatloaf without the glaze?
Absolutely, but the glaze really adds that iconic Cracker Barrel flavor! You can serve it with BBQ sauce or mushroom gravy instead if you prefer.

4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 160°F before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is hands-down one of the easiest and most comforting meals you’ll make all week. With its tender, cheesy interior and that unforgettable tangy-sweet glaze, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for busy weeknights or saving it for meal prep, this meatloaf delivers every time. So roll up your sleeves, mix it up, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort! Happy cooking!

Print