Name: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef, 24 ounces; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, about 1 1/2 sleeves; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (you can use red too); 3 cups fresh shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon ground oregano; 1 teaspoon ground thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 23 reviews

Imagine slicing into a tender, richly flavored loaf that tastes like home. That’s exactly what you get with this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video: hearty ground beef seasoned just right, comforting cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes to irresistible perfection. If you crave classic comfort food that never disappoints, this recipe wraps up nostalgia and flavor in every bite.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video truly unforgettable is how it transforms humble, everyday ingredients into something magical. Each item plays an important role — from juicy ground beef to bright herbs and sweet-tangy glaze, every element adds character and depth.

80/20 ground beef: The perfect balance of fat keeps your loaf moist and delicious, just like Cracker Barrel’s classic.
Large eggs: Essential for binding all the ingredients together and adding rich flavor.
Crushed Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers create a light, tender texture and soak up all the savory juices.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, bringing out the beef’s best qualities.
Green bell pepper: For subtle color and gentle earthiness — feel free to use red for extra sweetness or skip if you prefer.
Fresh shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the loaf, adding creaminess and a touch of sharpness. Use fresh cheese for the best texture!
Ground oregano: Infuses the loaf with aromatic, comforting herbal notes.
Ground thyme: A classic pairing with beef, this everyday herb lifts the whole dish.
Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlicky warmth throughout the meatloaf.
Fresh parsley: All about brightness — a pop of freshness in every slice!
Whole milk: Hydrates the crackers and ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory umami flavors and amplifies depth.
Salt: Brings all the savory tastes together — don’t skip it!
Ground black pepper: Just a hint for background warmth.
Ketchup: The base of that wonderful tangy-sweet topping everyone loves.
Light brown sugar: Melts into the ketchup, adding caramel notes and gloss.
Yellow mustard: A zippy edge that balances out the sweetness of the glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash to brighten and sharpen the topping — absolutely essential for that signature flavor!

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, so it’s ready when you are. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and give it a light spray with cooking oil — this little step ensures nothing sticks, and cleanup is a breeze. If you prefer, you can use a 9×5-inch meatloaf pan instead for a more classic loaf shape.

Step 2: Break Up the Beef

Place the 80/20 ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon, fork, or even your clean hands to break the meat into large crumbs. This helps the eggs and other ingredients distribute more evenly later on, leading to a luscious, perfectly blended loaf.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavor

Add all the remaining “Meatloaf” ingredients — eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, onion, bell pepper, shredded cheddar, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, fresh parsley, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands and gently but thoroughly mix until everything’s well combined. Overmixing can make your loaf tough, so once it holds together nicely, stop!

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use your hands to sculpt a loaf shape, about the size of a large bread loaf. If you’re using a meatloaf pan, simply press the mixture in, making sure it’s even on top for perfect slices later.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake the uncovered loaf in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This first bake lets the flavors meld and the crust begin to form while keeping the inside juicy — and gives you time to prep the irresistible glaze.

Step 6: Mix up the Glaze

In a small bowl, blend the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar together until smooth and glossy. This sweet-tangy mixture is what sets this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video apart — that sticky, caramelized finish is truly mouthwatering!

Step 7: Glaze and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, pull the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spread the glaze over the top and sides using a spoon or spatula. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden, bubbly top and an internal temperature of 160 degrees F at the center.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Slice

Once your meatloaf is beautifully glazed and fully cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes right in the pan. This resting time lets juices redistribute for clean, flavorful slices every time. Then cut into thick pieces and get ready to savor every bite.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video

Garnishes

For that extra touch of home-cooked warmth, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. It adds an inviting pop of color and freshness that makes your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video look just as good as it tastes. If you want to really impress, a few extra shreds of cheddar cheese can melt right on the hot slices as they’re plated.

Side Dishes

Let’s be honest — a classic meatloaf practically begs for comforting sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or green beans to round out your meal. For a soul-warming Southern spread, serve your meatloaf with pan gravy, fluffy biscuits, or a simple green salad to balance all those rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the spirit of family-style dining to your table! Arrange thick slices of this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video on a large platter, fan them out, and drizzle with extra glaze. Or, make mini-loaves in muffin tins for charming individual portions — great for parties or meal prep. Let each guest customize with their favorite sauces or toppings for a fun, interactive dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), slice the meatloaf once it’s fully cooled and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep brilliantly for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors just deepen and improve.

Freezing

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For easiest weeknight meals, freeze individual portions so you can just grab and reheat what you need.

Reheating

For juicy, flavorful reheated meatloaf, arrange slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm at 300 degrees F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Or, pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, then brush with a little extra glaze if desired to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Ritz crackers with something else?

Absolutely! If you don’t have Ritz crackers handy, swap in plain breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even finely crumbled potato chips for a similar texture and moisture effect. Each will give the loaf a slightly different twist, but all work deliciously.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can definitely leave out the cheddar if dairy isn’t your thing or there’s an allergy concern. It won’t be exactly the classic Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video, but you’ll still get a tender, flavorful slice. Consider adding a bit more milk or another tasty mix-in like sautéed mushrooms if you like.

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

The keys are thoroughly mixing your binding agents (eggs, crackers, and milk) with the meat and letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking. Freshly shredded cheese also helps hold everything together without making the loaf dense or dry.

Should I cover the meatloaf when baking?

No need! This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video is baked uncovered for the perfect caramelized glaze on top. The moisture inside and the foil-lined pan keep it from drying out as long as you don’t overbake.

Can I assemble the meatloaf ahead of time?

Definitely. Simply mix and shape your loaf the night before, cover tightly, and chill in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake as directed (you might need a few extra minutes since it starts cold). This makes dinner a complete breeze on busy nights!

Final Thoughts

If your idea of comfort food is big on flavor and nostalgia, you owe it to yourself (and your loved ones) to make this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Copycat + Video. It’s filled with tried-and-true tricks for a loaf that’s juicy, flavorful, and finished with that iconic sweet-tangy glaze. Give it a try — and don’t forget to watch the video for all the tasty tips and extra inspiration!