How To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

Meatloaf is cozy, homey, and just plain delicious. While you might prefer your uncle’s recipe or your grandmother’s, lots of Americans really love the version sold at Cracker Barrel restaurants. Made with ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, a sweet–tangy ketchup glaze, and more, this Cracker Barrel copycat version is well worth making. Here’s how to make their recipe at home, no road trip required.

Ingredients

Key Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Lean Ground Beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for a perfectly moist meatloaf. Crumbling the ground beef over the other ingredients makes it easier to mix without toughening the loaf.
Yellow Onion: Adds rich flavor and holds up well against the strong flavors in the meatloaf.
Green Bell Pepper: Provides a nice vegetal touch and balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
Plum Tomato: Adds aromatic sweetness and holds up well during cooking.
Tomato Paste: Acts as a glue to help other flavors soak into the aromatics.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a bit of smoke to the meatloaf.
Yellow Mustard: Cuts through acidity and adds savory notes.
Ritz Crackers: Acts as a binder and adds saltiness.
Eggs: Binds the mixture and adds moisture.
Cheddar: Sharp but not overpowering, allowing other ingredients to shine.
Parsley: Adds freshness and cuts through the strong flavors.
Ketchup: Provides sweetness and acidity for the glaze.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a rich flavor profile with its high molasses content.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Melt some butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and tomato, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until very soft, about 10 minutes.

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

3. Combine Ingredients

Transfer the vegetable mixture to a medium bowl and add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of mustard. Stir to combine and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

4. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the Ritz cracker crumbs and let sit for about five minutes. Then add the cooled vegetable mixture, cheddar, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Crumble the beef over the mixture and stir until just combined.

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

5. Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 10 inches long. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to pop any air bubbles.

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

6. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of mustard. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until smooth.

Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling: Adrienne Anderson

7. Bake the Meatloaf

Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 150°F, about 40 to 45 minutes.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. This allows the meatloaf to cool while the residual heat continues to cook it to an internal temperature of about 160°F. Once cool, sprinkle with more parsley, cut, and serve.

Storage

Wrap any leftovers tightly or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Cooked meatloaf can also be stored in a freezer-safe bag and frozen for up to 3 months. If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can store the uncooked loaf in an airtight container in the fridge the day before cooking.

This recipe lets you enjoy a delicious homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf, perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a61085998/cracker-barrel-meatloaf-recipe/