There’s something so comforting about a meal that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen, and Cracker Barrel has mastered that kind of homestyle goodness. Their meatloaf is one of those dishes that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy every bite. I remember the first time I ordered it—served up with mashed potatoes and green beans—it felt like Sunday supper at home. Moist, cheesy, and topped with that sweet tangy glaze, it’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the table. Now you don’t have to wait for a road trip to Cracker Barrel to enjoy it—you can make this classic comfort food right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 45 crackers)
4 large eggs, beaten
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Topping:
1 cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Ritz crackers, eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until just combined (don’t overmix).
Shape mixture into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half over the meatloaf.
Bake for 50 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
Return to oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temp of 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Note:
Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this keeps the meatloaf tender instead of dense.
Ritz crackers are key for that authentic Cracker Barrel flavor, but you can swap with buttery crackers if needed.
For easier slicing, let the meatloaf rest at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Leftovers make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
