There's nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meatloaf, especially when it’s inspired by the flavors of Cracker Barrel's classic recipe. This hearty, flavorful meatloaf is perfect for family dinners, and it tastes just like the one you’d enjoy at the restaurant—only better because it’s made right in your own kitchen.
I discovered this copycat recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and nostalgic. With just a few tweaks to make it my own, it quickly became a staple in our household. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a meatloaf that combines the best of tradition and convenience. This recipe has everything you adore about Cracker Barrel’s version but can be made with minimal effort and everyday ingredients.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With straightforward steps and no fancy equipment, even beginner cooks can tackle this recipe with confidence.
Second, it’s bursting with classic flavors. The combination of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a tangy glaze creates a delicious balance of savory and sweet that’s irresistibly comforting.
Another reason to try this recipe is its budget-friendly nature. Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you can create a meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep. This meatloaf keeps well, reheats beautifully, and can even be frozen for later. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner in a pinch.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed dish. Let’s break down the key components:
The star of the show is ground beef. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Too lean, and your meatloaf may turn out dry; too fatty, and it might not hold together well.
For the binder, you’ll use a combination of breadcrumbs and eggs. This duo helps the meatloaf maintain its structure while staying tender. Panko breadcrumbs or traditional varieties both work well.
Don’t skip the sautéed vegetables—finely diced onions and bell peppers. These add moisture, sweetness, and a subtle crunch to the loaf.
The glaze is a signature feature of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf. It’s a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard. This sweet and tangy topping caramelizes beautifully as the meatloaf bakes.
Finally, add some seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile. If you want an extra kick, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the taste.
No special equipment is required, but having a loaf pan ensures even cooking and easy slicing.
How To Make This Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Creating this mouthwatering meatloaf is a breeze. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, prepare your ingredients. Dice the onion and bell pepper finely to ensure they cook evenly within the meatloaf.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced vegetables in a little olive oil until softened and fragrant. This step helps release their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Let them cool slightly before adding them to the meat mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, cooled vegetables, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan, pressing it down lightly to form an even shape.
Prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread half of it over the top of the meatloaf before baking. Reserve the rest for later.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove it, spread the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This step ensures the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and serve.
Storage Options
This meatloaf is just as good the next day, making it a great candidate for leftovers.
Store any remaining slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the slices in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you prefer to freeze it uncooked, assemble the meatloaf and wrap it tightly. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a leaner option, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Add a twist to the glaze by incorporating barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smokier finish.
If you’re looking to boost nutrition, mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini with the sautéed vegetables. They blend seamlessly into the meatloaf while adding extra vitamins.
Gluten-free? No problem! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones.
Experiment with seasonings to suit your taste. A pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can add an extra layer of depth.
This meatloaf is a recipe that keeps on giving—so feel free to make it your own and enjoy!
PrintEasy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
This easy copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe delivers the same juicy, flavorful taste as the restaurant favorite. Made with ground beef, onions, peppers, and a sweet glaze, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- 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
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, crushed crackers, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).
- Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and peppers before mixing them into the meatloaf.
- You can substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of loaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
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