Description
A copycat version of the famous Cracker Barrel meatloaf—moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned with onions, peppers, and Ritz cracker crumbs, then topped with a classic ketchup glaze. Just like the homestyle favorite from the restaurant!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Ritz crackers, milk, eggs, onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze over top, and return to oven.
- Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for the classic Cracker Barrel experience!
Notes
- Ritz crackers give the loaf its signature buttery flavor—breadcrumbs can be substituted but won’t taste quite the same.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne or swap bell pepper for red pepper.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day.
- Can be frozen baked or unbaked—wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American / Southern Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 12g
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 21g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Protein: Approximately 22g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg
