This Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf is a Southern comfort food staple, packed with hearty flavor and a tangy-sweet glaze. The blend of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers creates a tender, savory loaf, while the glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce adds a bold finish. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this homestyle meatloaf will quickly become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for dairy-free diets!
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
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1½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
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½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
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¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
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3 large eggs, at room temperature
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4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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¼ cup whole milk
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60–64 Ritz crackers, crushed
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
Glaze:
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½ cup ketchup
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze. Set aside.
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Crush the Ritz crackers using a meat mallet or rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag.
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In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, eggs, cheese, milk, crushed crackers, salt, and pepper until just combined.
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Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread half of the glaze over the top.
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Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).
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Remove from the oven, brush on the remaining glaze, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 418 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Protein: 33g
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Fat: 17g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 173mg
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Sodium: 930mg
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Potassium: 592mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 25g
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Vitamin A: 453 IU
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Vitamin C: 7mg
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Calcium: 210mg
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Iron: 4mg
The Allure of Cracker Barrel’s Homestyle Cooking
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, has long been known for its dedication to Southern-style meals and a welcoming dining experience. The restaurant has built a loyal following by offering traditional recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations of Southern kitchens. Meatloaf is one such dish—simple, hearty, and made with love.
Their meatloaf is one of the most ordered items on the menu. It’s not overly fancy or complex, but that’s precisely its appeal. The combination of basic pantry staples and a careful balance of flavors results in a meal that’s both accessible and undeniably satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that evokes memories of grandma’s cooking, Sunday suppers, and comfort during difficult times.
The Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf reflects everything the brand represents—familiarity, consistency, and comfort. By recreating this dish at home, you can enjoy the same warmth and satisfaction, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.
Flavor Profile: Balancing Savory and Sweet
The success of this meatloaf lies in its flavor complexity. At first glance, it may seem like a simple beef loaf, but every component contributes to a multi-dimensional taste and texture:
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Savory Foundation: The ground beef serves as the rich, protein-packed base. When cooked properly, it provides the deep umami that gives the meatloaf its hearty character.
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Aromatic Vegetables: Finely diced onions and green bell peppers are not just for color or crunch—they add a subtle sweetness and fragrance that deepen the dish’s overall flavor.
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Creamy Richness: Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the loaf, adding a creamy, almost indulgent mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the crisped outer edges.
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Buttery Texture: Ritz crackers, in place of traditional breadcrumbs, lend a uniquely buttery flavor and delicate texture that helps retain moisture throughout the baking process.
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Sweet & Tangy Glaze: The crown jewel of this meatloaf is its ketchup-based glaze. Blending brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
This balance of sweet and savory, tender and crispy, creamy and meaty is what sets this meatloaf apart from the rest. Every bite offers a medley of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about this meatloaf recipe is how versatile it can be. While it closely mirrors Cracker Barrel’s iconic version, it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or personal preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-Free or Lactose Intolerant
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Use dairy-free shredded cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
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Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even beef broth for extra richness.
Low-Carb Option
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Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbs.
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Skip the sugar in the glaze and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative.
Add-ins for Extra Flavor
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Minced garlic or sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
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A few dashes of hot sauce or chipotle powder if you prefer a spicier twist.
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Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to brighten the profile.
Meat Mix-Up
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Swap part of the beef for ground turkey or pork for a lighter or richer flavor.
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Use a meatloaf mix (usually beef, pork, and veal) for a more classic Italian-American meatloaf variation.
Serving Suggestions
Cracker Barrel meatloaf shines brightest when paired with classic sides that reflect its down-home roots. Here are some popular combinations to complete the meal:
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of butter and garlic are the go-to companion.
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Green Beans: Whether steamed or sautéed with bacon and onions, green beans add freshness and crunch.
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Cornbread or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze or juices.
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Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, indulgent choice that pairs well with the meatloaf’s rich texture.
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Coleslaw or Salad: For a lighter contrast, a crunchy slaw or fresh garden salad rounds out the plate nicely.
This recipe also works well for meal prep. Sliced leftovers can be used in sandwiches the next day or frozen in portions for future meals. The glaze retains its flavor even after reheating, making it a fantastic choice for batch cooking.
Why People Love This Meatloaf
Meatloaf often gets a bad rap as a bland or uninspiring dinner choice, especially if one has experienced a dry, ketchup-covered brick in the past. But Cracker Barrel’s version—and this recipe modeled after it—redefines what meatloaf can be.
It’s tender, flavorful, and comforting, offering a sense of tradition with every bite. It’s budget-friendly, requiring ingredients that are easy to find and already in most home kitchens. It’s family-friendly, too—kids and adults alike enjoy the subtle sweetness of the glaze and the soft, cheesy interior.
Most importantly, this meatloaf is a reliable recipe that never fails. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a sit-down dinner with extended family, it consistently delivers on taste and presentation.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is more than just a nostalgic dish—it’s a testament to the power of simplicity done right. By combining high-quality ingredients with thoughtful seasoning and technique, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level. The tender meat, buttery crackers, creamy cheese, and sweet glaze come together in perfect harmony, making every bite an experience to savor.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Cracker Barrel or simply looking for a new go-to meatloaf recipe, this version hits all the right notes. It’s versatile, forgiving, and easy enough for beginners while satisfying enough for seasoned home cooks.
Add this recipe to your weekly rotation or break it out for special family dinners—either way, it’s sure to earn a permanent place in your kitchen repertoire.