Cracker Barrel Meatloaf for a Large Crowd
Feed a crowd in comfort-food style with this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe, a hearty dish bursting with flavor and warmth. Made with 5 pounds of ground beef, finely chopped onion and bell pepper, and an irresistible blend of crushed Ritz crackers, milk, and seasonings, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. The signature glaze—featuring tangy ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard—adds a sweet and savory finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Designed to serve 16, this easy-to-make meatloaf takes just 20 minutes of prep before baking to mouthwatering perfection in under 75 minutes. Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a true Southern-inspired feast that’s sure to impress large groups.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Ground beef
- 2 cups Onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2.5 cups Crushed Ritz crackers
- 1.5 cups Whole milk
- 4 large Eggs
- 1.5 cups Ketchup
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons Yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two large loaf pans by lightly greasing them or lining with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and green bell pepper.
Add the crushed Ritz crackers, whole milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a sturdy wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Divide the meat mixture evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Press the mixture down firmly to remove any air pockets and create a smooth surface.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create the glaze.
Spread the glaze evenly over the tops of the two meatloaves with a spatula or spoon.
Place the loaf pans on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 70-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice and serve warm, garnished with additional ketchup or parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
500 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 144 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 594 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.6 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.3 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 413 mg | 9% | |
*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.
