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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

A tender and flavorful homestyle meatloaf with a sweet-tangy glaze that perfectly replicates the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant version. Made with Ritz crackers for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, this comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 works best
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed (about 1 sleeve)
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
For the Glaze
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a loaf pan by either lining it with parchment paper or lightly oiling it.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for an even surface.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth to make the glaze.
  7. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

The 80/20 ground beef provides just enough fat to keep the meatloaf juicy. Don't skip the Ritz crackers if you want that authentic Cracker Barrel texture. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day. For a leaner version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, and for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. The resting time after baking is important to keep the meatloaf from crumbling when sliced.