There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of a hearty meatloaf, and this Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor of the restaurant classic. It's a dish that brings back memories of family dinners, packed with savory goodness and a touch of sweetness from the glaze.
I discovered this recipe while trying to recreate a nostalgic Cracker Barrel meal at home, and it quickly became a household favorite. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and loaded with fresh ingredients, it’s a winner for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You'll Love This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a meatloaf recipe that ticks all the boxes. From its unbeatable flavor to its ease of preparation, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is virtually foolproof.
The flavor profile is spot on. It’s packed with perfectly balanced seasonings, a mix of ground meats, and just the right amount of vegetables. Plus, that irresistible ketchup-based glaze takes it to a whole new level.
This recipe is also family-friendly and versatile. Picky eaters? No problem. The mild and familiar flavors are sure to please kids and adults alike, and you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Finally, it’s an affordable option for feeding a crowd. Using everyday ingredients means you can create a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its blend of fresh and pantry ingredients. Each component adds its own touch to the final dish.
Ground Beef and Ground Pork: Using a mix of these two meats creates the perfect texture and flavor. The pork adds richness, while the beef provides that classic meatloaf taste. If you prefer, you can use all beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatloaf together and soak up all the delicious juices. Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well here.
Diced Onions and Bell Peppers: These fresh vegetables add sweetness and texture. Finely dice them to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture.
Ketchup and Brown Sugar: These create the signature sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. If you like a hint of spice, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Milk and Eggs: These ingredients keep the meatloaf moist and help bind everything together. Don’t skip them, as they’re key to achieving the perfect consistency.
You’ll also need a loaf pan to shape and bake the meatloaf evenly. If you don’t have one, you can shape the meat mixture into a loaf by hand on a baking sheet.
How To Make This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Crafting this iconic dish is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how you do it:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, diced onions, diced bell peppers, milk, eggs, and your seasonings. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, so keep it light!
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. This ensures the meatloaf holds its shape as it bakes. Smooth out the top for a neat finish.
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze. Spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering the surface completely.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be bubbling and slightly caramelized. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage Options
This meatloaf is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. To store, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually or wrap the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating is easy—simply place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole meatloaf in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Swap the ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the meat mixture for a gooey surprise.
- Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Sneak in extra vegetables like grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
Experiment with these ideas or come up with your own—it’s hard to go wrong with this versatile base.
This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for a meal that feels like home. Enjoy!
PrintEasy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Recreate the classic Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe at home with this easy and delicious copycat version. Packed with savory flavors, simple ingredients, and a juicy texture, this homemade meatloaf will be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix additional ketchup and brown sugar for the glaze. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs for Ritz crackers if needed.
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked meatloaf.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
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