Description

Craving the ultimate homestyle comfort food? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s moist, flavorful, and smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze that’s simply irresistible. This easy recipe uses everyday ingredients like ground beef, crackers, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables to recreate the iconic diner-style meatloaf right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, meal prep ideas, or a quick comfort meal, this is a winner. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a wholesome, nostalgic meal that feels like home.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create your glaze. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, bell pepper, onion, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.

4. Shape the mixture into a loaf in a loaf pan or on a lined sheet pan, forming it evenly without compacting too much.

5. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.

6. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining glaze.

7. Bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Rest the meatloaf for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.

Let it rest before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Use 80/20 ground beef for best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: meatloaf, cracker barrel copycat, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep