Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)

Moist, tender, and packed with homestyle flavor — just like your favorite restaurant version!

If you’ve ever sat in a cozy Cracker Barrel rocking chair waiting for a plate of their famous meatloaf, you know how comforting and satisfying that dish can be. It’s hearty, juicy, slightly sweet from its ketchup glaze, and packed with savory goodness that screams Southern comfort. This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe) captures that same flavor and texture right at home — no restaurant trip needed!

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or a weeknight family dinner, this easy copycat recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Copycat

There’s something special about Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf. It’s the perfect combination of moist texture, balanced seasonings, and that signature sweet-tangy glaze. Unlike many traditional meatloaf recipes, Cracker Barrel uses crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, giving it a buttery flavor and tender crumb that’s downright irresistible.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• True-to-the-original flavor: It’s nearly identical to Cracker Barrel’s iconic version.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy — just wholesome pantry staples.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it!
• Perfect leftovers: Tastes even better reheated for sandwiches or meal prep.
• Freezer-friendly: Make one for now and freeze one for later.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for flavor depth)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Base
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Combine Thoroughly (But Don’t Overmix)
   Use your hands or a large spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so stop as soon as everything looks evenly incorporated.
4. Shape the Loaf
   Form the mixture into a loaf shape (about 10×5 inches) and place it on your prepared baking sheet or into a loaf pan.
5. Prepare the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the loaf before baking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf
   Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, then remove and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest Before Slicing
   Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist, tender result.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
   Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese for the ultimate Southern comfort meal.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)

A moist and flavorful Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf topped with a sweet, tangy glaze — the perfect comfort food dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf Base

• 2 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 onion finely diced
• 0.5 green bell pepper finely diced
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers about 1 sleeve
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme optional

Glaze

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all meatloaf ingredients until just combined.
3. Shape into a loaf and place on baking sheet or in pan.
4. Whisk glaze ingredients and spread half on top of loaf.
5. Bake for 60 minutes, then top with remaining glaze and bake 10–15 minutes longer.
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra moisture, use 80/20 beef and avoid overmixing the ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

1. Don’t skip the Ritz crackers.
They add buttery flavor and keep the texture tender. You can substitute saltines in a pinch, but Ritz truly makes it special.

2. Finely chop your vegetables.
Large chunks of onion or pepper can cause the loaf to fall apart. Dice them small for even distribution.

3. Use a meat thermometer.
To avoid overcooking, check for an internal temp of 160°F (71°C). Overbaking can dry it out quickly.

4. Let it rest!
Ten minutes of resting helps lock in juices and makes slicing easier.

5. Double the glaze.
If you love that sticky-sweet topping, make a little extra — it’s perfect for drizzling on each slice when serving.

Variations

– Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture before shaping for a cheesy twist.

– BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce.

– Spicy Version: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.

– Mini Meatloaves: Portion mixture into muffin tins for individual servings (bake about 25–30 minutes).

– Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for ground turkey and reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Fried okra
• Green beans or collard greens
• Macaroni and cheese
• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread

Want to make it restaurant-style? Serve with a dollop of extra glaze, a sprig of parsley, and a side of sweet iced tea.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Fun Fact: The Secret to Cracker Barrel’s Meatloaf Success

Cracker Barrel’s version is beloved for its Ritz cracker base and green pepper aroma — both of which make it unique compared to traditional breadcrumb-heavy meatloaves. It’s that buttery, savory-sweet balance that transforms a simple dish into something unforgettable.

And now, with this copycat recipe, you can recreate that nostalgia and southern comfort right in your kitchen — complete with that iconic glaze that makes every bite sing.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 8 servings)

Calories: 385 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 620mg | Sugar: 10g | Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat Recipe is more than just dinner — it’s comfort on a plate. Juicy, flavorful, and kissed with that caramelized ketchup glaze, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a smile, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy classic that feels like home.