• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hot Rod's Recipes
  • Browse Recipes
  • How-To
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Videos
    • How-To
    • About
    • Subscribe
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Published on July 16, 2020 - Updated on January 11, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 4 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

    1.3K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This Copycat Recipe for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is not only easy to make but it's also packed full of flavor. A must try for all meatloaf lovers from their menu. If you love Cracker Barrel's Meatloaf then you must try this recipe.

    cracker barrel meatloaf

    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.

    meat mixture ready for the oven
    Meat Mixture ready for the Oven

    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.

    meatloaf fresh out of the oven
    Meatloaf Fresh out of the Oven

    I typically use saltines or bread as the binder when I make meatloaf but the Ritz Crackers for this recipe adds some buttery sweetness to the loaf. I might even try it in some of my other meatloaf recipes.

    cracker barrel meatloaf

    ⭐ 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.

    cracker barrel meatloaf

    🌡️ 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.

    cracker barrel meatloaf

    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.

    cracker barrel meatloaf

    💭 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 with Lean Ground Beef, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Copycat Dairy Queen Chili Dog Sauce
    • Weight Watchers Meatloaf
    • Traditional Pate Chinois (Shepherd’s Pie)
    • Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Copycat Meatloaf recipe from Cracker Barrel (see recipe card for quantities): Lean Ground Beef, Eggs, Ritz Crackers, Yellow Onion, Green Pepper, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Ketchup, Light Brown Sugar and Yellow Mustard.

    🥣 How to make 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

    Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    This Copycat Recipe for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is not only easy to make, it's also packed full of flavor. A must try for all meatloaf lovers
    4.55 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Resting Time 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 376 kcal

    Equipment

    • Baking Sheet

    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 teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

    Topping

    • ½ cup Ketchup
    • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 33gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 819mgPotassium: 586mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 467IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 3mg

    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.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Awesome Beef Recipes

    • Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Sliders
    • Easy Instant Pot Beef Meatballs
    • Easy Baked Italian Meatballs
    • Easy Carne Asada
    hot rods recipes

    Reader Interactions

    4 Comments

    1. donna anderson

      November 27, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Amazing....better than my Mom's sorry MOM !!!

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        November 27, 2021 at 11:47 am

        Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Rose Smith

      March 03, 2022 at 6:38 am

      This meatloaf recipe was awesome, making it again tonight. Great flavor and very moist. Definitely a keeper.

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        March 03, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        Glad you like it! One of my favorites as well. Enjoy!

        Reply

    leave comment and rating! Cancel reply

    We would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please choose a star rating. Thanks!

    Recipe Rating:




    Before a comment appears it needs to be approved by the site owner. Read our Comment Policy to see how your comment data is processed. Your email address will NOT be published.

    Primary Sidebar

    Chef Rodney Headshot

    Hi! I'm Rodney and welcome to my blog. I am a foodie and self-taught cook. See More →

    Trending Recipes

    • Traditional Canadian Bannock Bread
    • Pineapple Sauce for Ham
    • Cinnamon Donut Bread
    • Cinnamon Sugar Beaver Tails

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    Recipes

    • Recipe Index
    • Copycat Recipes
    • Pressure Cooking
    • Celebrity Chef Recipes

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Recipe Disclaimer
    • Contact Us

    Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2015-2023 The Ventucky Chef, LLC. All rights reserved.