Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – A Southern Comfort Classic
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as nostalgic as the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Juicy, hearty, and bursting with down-home flavor, this Southern-style recipe has long been a family favorite. With tender ground beef, buttery Ritz crackers, savory vegetables, and a sweet-tangy glaze, every bite tastes like a warm hug. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at the restaurant or want to recreate that same magic at home, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich flavor and comforting simplicity.
The secret? Ritz crackers, eggs, and milk create the softest, most tender texture, while the ketchup-based glaze adds that irresistible sweet-and-savory finish. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or macaroni and cheese, and you’ll have a meal that feels like home.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Meatloaf Base
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): Juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of fat.
- 1 medium onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth while keeping the meatloaf moist.
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced: A Cracker Barrel signature touch that adds mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: The secret to buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Bind the ingredients and keep the loaf tender.
- ½ cup whole milk: Softens the cracker crumbs for a creamy, moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle layer of savory depth.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
