There's something undeniably comforting about a hearty slice of Cracker Barrel meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and green beans. This copycat recipe brings that same homestyle goodness right to your kitchen, packed with savory flavors, a tender texture, and a sweet, tangy glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first fell in love with this meatloaf during a road trip stop at Cracker Barrel, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tweaks, I nailed the perfect balance of ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, and a flavorful tomato glaze—just like the restaurant version! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and freezer-friendly for busy weeknights.
Let’s dive into what makes this Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat recipe so special!
Why You'll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This homemade meatloaf is about to become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why:
First, it's easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy techniques—just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy!
Second, the texture is spot-on. Thanks to the combination of Ritz crackers and milk, the meatloaf stays moist and tender without falling apart.
The sweet and tangy glaze is absolutely irresistible. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard caramelizes as it bakes, creating that signature Cracker Barrel-style topping.
And finally, it's a great make-ahead meal. Leftovers taste just as good (if not better), and it freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for quick dinners.
Now, let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cracker Barrel meatloaf lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- Ground beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can make the meatloaf dry.
- Ritz crackers – These buttery, slightly salty crackers replace traditional breadcrumbs and add a unique flavor and tender texture.
- Milk – Helps soften the crackers and keeps the meatloaf extra moist.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the meatloaf together.
- Onion – Finely diced to add subtle sweetness and depth.
- Green bell pepper – Just like Cracker Barrel’s version, this adds a mild crunch and fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out!
- Ketchup – Used inside the meatloaf for moisture and in the glaze for a tangy-sweet topping.
- Brown sugar & mustard – These two ingredients elevate the glaze, creating that sticky, caramelized coating that makes this meatloaf irresistible.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls – For combining the ingredients.
- Loaf pan or baking sheet – A loaf pan keeps the meatloaf compact, but a baking sheet allows more surface area for glaze caramelization.
- Foil or parchment paper – For easy cleanup!
Now, let’s get cooking!
How To Make This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Making this meatloaf is as easy as mix, shape, and bake. Follow these simple steps for the perfect Cracker Barrel copycat every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, eggs, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Add ½ cup of ketchup, salt, and pepper, then mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatloaf may turn out dense.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
While the meatloaf bakes, mix together ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard to make the glaze. After 30 minutes of baking, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Total Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Storage Options
This meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat is super customizable! Try these variations:
- Swap the crackers: No Ritz? Use crushed saltines or panko breadcrumbs instead.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Use ground turkey: For a leaner option, swap ground beef for ground turkey. Add an extra egg to keep it moist.
- Cheese it up: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar for a cheesy twist.
- BBQ glaze: Swap the ketchup glaze for barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—this meatloaf is foolproof and delicious no matter how you make it!
Final Thoughts
This easy Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat recipe brings the comfort of homestyle cooking straight to your table. With simple ingredients, a perfect texture, and that irresistible sweet glaze, it's sure to become a family favorite.
So, the next time you're craving Cracker Barrel but don’t want to leave the house, give this recipe a try. Serve it with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy!
Let me know in the comments if you make this and what you serve it with—I’d love to hear how it turns out! 😊
PrintEasy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Enjoy the classic taste of Cracker Barrel meatloaf with this easy homemade recipe. Made with ground beef, crackers, cheese, and a sweet glaze, this meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed crackers, cheese, eggs, milk, onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze. Spread half over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
- Bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Substitute crackers with breadcrumbs if needed.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
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