If you’re craving the comforting flavors of a classic country-style dinner, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf delivers all the hearty goodness you love right at home.
Tender ground beef is combined with savory vegetables, buttery cracker crumbs, and sharp Cheddar cheese to create a moist, flavorful meatloaf that tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
The signature sweet and tangy glaze baked over the top adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a rich coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Serve this family-friendly meal alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or macaroni and cheese for a comforting dinner everyone will request again and again.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the longer sides for easy removal.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and yellow bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture, shredded Cheddar cheese, and crushed cracker crumbs.
- Add the ground beef and gently mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press into an even loaf shape.
- Place the loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Use the parchment paper handles to lift the meatloaf from the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and serve warm.
Chef’s Notes
- Sharp Cheddar cheese adds richness and helps recreate the signature flavor of the restaurant version.
- Crushed buttery crackers provide moisture and tenderness while helping bind the loaf together.
- For extra flavor, prepare the meatloaf mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers make excellent meatloaf sandwiches the next day.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or green beans for a complete comfort-food meal.