Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

A tender, flavorful meatloaf with cheddar cheese, sautéed veggies, and a sweet-tangy glaze—comfort food at its best!

Introduction

Meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort dishes that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table. The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a popular take on the classic dish, renowned for its rich flavor, moist texture, and that irresistible sweet and tangy glaze. What makes this meatloaf special is the addition of sharp cheddar cheese melted right inside, sautéed veggies that add depth, and a crusty, caramelized top that will have everyone asking for seconds.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make this classic Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf, from detailed ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, handy tips for success, preparation and cooking times, as well as the calorie content to help you plan your meals.

Ingredients

The perfect meatloaf starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef (80% lean) – 2 lbs
  The right fat content is essential for juicy meatloaf. 80% lean beef strikes a balance between flavor and moisture.

• Eggs – 3 large
  Eggs act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together so it slices well.

• Ritz crackers (crushed) – 1 cup
  Crushed crackers replace breadcrumbs for a buttery texture and help absorb moisture.

• Whole milk – ½ cup
  Adds moisture and richness to the mixture, preventing dryness.

• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
  Sharp cheddar melts inside the meatloaf, adding creamy, tangy pockets of flavor.

• Yellow onion (finely chopped) – ¾ cup
  Onions sautéed until soft bring sweetness and depth.

• Green bell pepper (finely chopped) – ½ cup
  Adds subtle earthiness and a little crunch.

• Salt – 1 tsp
  Essential for flavor balance.

• Ground black pepper – ¼ tsp
  Provides just enough spice to enhance flavors.

• Ketchup – ¾ cup
  Forms the base of the classic meatloaf glaze, bringing sweetness and tang.

• Brown sugar – 2½ tbsp
  Adds caramelization and sweetness to the glaze.

• Yellow mustard – 1½ tsp
  Gives the glaze a mild kick and helps balance sweetness.

How to Prepare the Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. Proper prep helps the process go smoothly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This step softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness, enhancing the meatloaf’s flavor. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.

3. Mix the Binding Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and beat lightly. Add the crushed Ritz crackers, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined. The crushed crackers and milk create a moist, tender texture by absorbing and holding the juices released during cooking.

4. Add Cheese and Vegetables

Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cooled sautéed vegetables into the mixture. This ensures every bite has delicious cheesy pockets and flavor from the veggies.

5. Incorporate the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense meatloaf.

6. Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Make sure the shape is even to ensure uniform cooking.

7. Initial Bake

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes to start the cooking process and firm up the structure.

8. Prepare the Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This glaze will give the meatloaf that classic Cracker Barrel tangy-sweet finish with a beautiful caramelized crust.

9. Apply the Glaze and Continue Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze will thicken and form a delicious crust during this time.

10. Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and preventing it from falling apart when sliced.

11. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your meatloaf and serve it hot. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Calories

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes

• Servings: 8

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 kcal

Tips for the Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

1. Choose the Right Ground Beef

Using 80% lean ground beef is a sweet spot for flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can dry out, while fattier beef can cause excess grease.

2. Sauté Your Veggies

Softening onions and peppers beforehand releases sweetness and mellows their sharpness, preventing raw veggie bites in your meatloaf.

3. Don’t Overmix

Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly. Overworking the meat leads to a tough, dense loaf rather than a tender, juicy one.

4. Rest the Meatloaf

Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking helps retain juices and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

5. Customize Your Glaze

Adjust the glaze sweetness and tang to taste—add a bit more mustard for tang or brown sugar for sweetness.

6. Add Heat If You Like

For spice lovers, adding diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture adds a kick.

7. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh eggs, cheese, and vegetables make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

8. Baking Alternatives

If you prefer, you can bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and create a uniform shape.

9. Freeze Leftovers

Meatloaf freezes beautifully! Store sliced portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

10. Pairings

Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or cornbread for a traditional southern comfort meal.

Why This Meatloaf Recipe Stands Out

The hallmark of the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is its balance of flavors and textures. The sharp cheddar cheese pockets melt into the savory beef, giving a creamy surprise in every bite. The sautéed onions and bell peppers add sweetness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the meat. The glaze, a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, caramelizes into a sticky, sweet topping that perfectly complements the hearty loaf beneath.

Moreover, the use of Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs introduces a buttery note and helps lock in moisture better, making the loaf extra tender and flavorful. This recipe is accessible, uses simple ingredients, and delivers classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete, well-rounded meal, consider these sides:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes absorb the meatloaf’s delicious juices.

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or broccoli add color, crunch, and nutrition.

• Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up extra glaze or sauce.

• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (~1/8th of the loaf):

• Calories: ~400 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 650mg (varies depending on added salt and ingredients)

Final Thoughts

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings all the comfort food vibes right to your kitchen. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use simple pantry staples while enjoying a satisfying meal.

Give it a try, and you might find yourself making meatloaf a regular on your dinner rotation!