Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Bring the classic taste of homestyle cooking to your kitchen with this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf recipe. Perfectly moist and packed with flavor, this comfort food favorite combines ground beef, finely chopped onions and green bell peppers, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the signature crunch of Ritz crackers for a truly irresistible texture. Topped with a tangy-sweet glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, this meatloaf bakes to perfection in just over an hour. Easy to prepare and bursting with nostalgic charm, it’s the ultimate dinner centerpiece for family gatherings or weeknight meals. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans for the ultimate comforting dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.33 cup milk
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper.
Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix the ingredients until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even loaf.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the glaze.
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the other half for later.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a complete comfort meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
453 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 604 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 25.5 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 322 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
