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cracker barrel meatloaf recipe

🍖 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Card

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 7 servings
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf:
  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 works best
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Method
 

Preheat Oven:
  1. Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
Mix Meatloaf:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Ritz cracker crumbs, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (do not overmix).
Shape & Bake:
  1. Transfer mixture into prepared loaf pan and shape evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Add Glaze:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
Finish Baking:
  1. Return meatloaf to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest & Serve:
  1. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.

Notes

Don’t pack the meat mixture too tightly — this keeps the loaf tender.
Swap Ritz crackers with crushed saltines or buttery crackers if preferred.
For extra flavor, sauté onions and bell peppers before mixing them in.
Leftovers make excellent meatloaf sandwiches the next day!