Description
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe delivers a flavorful, cheesy, and comforting classic American dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Combining sautéed onions and green peppers with cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and ground beef, it’s coated with a tangy and sweet glaze, baked to perfection, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2/3 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
Glaze
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and green pepper with a few pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, whole milk, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix in Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently mix with your hands until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan, pressing gently to form a loaf shape.
- Initial Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, combine ketchup, dark brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf and brush half of the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 12 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze, then slice and serve.
- Optional Rating: If enjoyed, consider leaving a 5-star rating and review to share your experience!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute for a moist result.
- You can substitute ground turkey or a beef/pork blend if desired, but the texture and flavor may vary.
- Ritz crackers can be crushed using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
