I love a good meatloaf. And this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf does not disappoint! I will definitely be adding this meatloaf recipe from Cracker Barrel to my rotation.
Just like most meatloaf recipes, this one calls for ground beef, onions and a binder. In this case, Ritz Crackers! It also includes a little chopped Green Bell Pepper.
I typically use saltines or bread as the binder when I make meatloaf but the Ritz Crackers add some buttery sweetness to the loaf. I like it! I might even try it in some of my other meatloaf recipes.
⭐ Copycat Rating
Since the goal of a Copycat Recipe is for it to taste exactly like the original, it's only natural to rate this recipe against the original. This Copycat recipe rates a solid 7 out of 10 in my opinion.
🌡️ Meatloaf Temperature
Our friends over at the USDA recommend an internal temperature of 160°F. This should be enough to kill salmonella. You can take the meatloaf out of the oven around 150°F and let it rest for 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature again before slicing & serving.
Don't forget to add the topping to the meatloaf at the 30-minute mark. For recipes like this with multiple steps during the cooking process, I like to set 2 timers. I use the oven timer for the total cook time of 60 minutes and my smartphone for 30 minutes.
💭 Baking Meatloaf
When it comes to baking your meatloaf, you have a couple of options. You can bake it the traditional way in a loaf pan or bake it on a foil lined baking sheet.
Depending on how lean your ground beef is, you may find the meatloaf sitting in grease. One way to avoid this is to shape the meat mixture into the shape of a loaf and bake it on a baking sheet. This will allow the grease to run off into the pan.
For more great recipes like this one, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 What Ingredients do I need
You will need the following ingredients to make this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: Lean Ground Beef, Egg(s), Ritz Crackers, Yellow Onion, Green Pepper, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Ketchup, Light Brown Sugar and Yellow Mustard.
🥣 How to make this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Preheat the oven to 350 ℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix all the topping ingredients and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs then add the Ritz crackers, onion, green pepper, milk, salt, pepper and cheese. Stir until well combined. Add the ground beef and mix well.
Place the meatloaf mixture on the prepared baking sheet and shape it into the shape of a loaf.
Bake for 30 minutes then spread the topping mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is 160 ℉.
Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 3 Eggs
- 1 ½ sleeves Ritz Crackers, crushed
- ½ cup Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Green Pepper, finely diced
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
Topping
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 ℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix all the topping ingredients and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs then add the Ritz crackers, onion, green pepper, milk, salt, pepper and cheese. Stir until well combined. Add the ground beef and mix well.
- Place the meatloaf mixture on the prepared baking sheet and shape it into the shape of a loaf.
- Bake for 30 minutes then spread the topping mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is 160 ℉.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
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