Cracker Barrel Copycat Meatloaf Recipe

If you love the comforting, homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel’s Meatloaf, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe. It’s juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The secret? Buttery Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs — they make this meatloaf extra tender and full of rich, buttery flavor.

Perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prep, this easy meatloaf tastes just like the restaurant favorite (maybe even better!).

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup finely diced bell pepper (optional, but adds great flavor)
1 ½ sleeves of Ritz crackers, crushed (about 48 crackers total)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup ketchup

For the Glaze:

½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp yellow mustard (optional but balances the sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer to shape it freeform.

2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and crushed Ritz crackers.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pour the wet mixture into the meat mixture and gently combine everything with your hands or a spatula — mix just until combined (overmixing can make the meatloaf dense).

3. Shape the loaf

Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on your baking sheet.
Press it down gently so it holds its shape, but don’t compact it too much.

4. Make the glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard until smooth.
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.

5. Bake the meatloaf

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven.
Continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and glossy.

6. Rest before slicing

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with classic Southern sides for the ultimate comfort meal:

Mashed potatoes with brown gravy
Green beans or buttered corn
Mac and cheese
Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread on the side

For a true restaurant-style experience, drizzle a little extra glaze over each slice before serving!

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

Don’t overmix! Mixing too much can make your meatloaf tough.
Use lean beef but not extra-lean — you want some fat for flavor and moisture.
Let it rest before cutting; otherwise, the juices will run out.
Ritz crackers are the secret ingredient — they give the loaf a buttery richness you won’t get from plain breadcrumbs.
Customize it: Add diced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave slices for a quick meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes just like Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf
Easy, one-bowl prep
Moist, buttery texture thanks to Ritz crackers
Sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly

Optional Add-Ons

Top with crispy fried onions before serving for extra crunch.
Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the glaze for a smokier twist.
Add a little cheddar cheese into the mixture for cheesy goodness!