Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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Of course — here’s your full, big Cracker Barrel–Style Meatloaf recipe, written in a warm, social-media–friendly format with everything you asked for:

🍖🥘 Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Homestyle Comfort Classic)

If you love cozy, down-home comfort food, this Cracker Barrel–Style Meatloaf is going to steal your heart 🥰
It’s juicy, tender, and packed with classic Southern flavor — just like the famous restaurant version. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, this meatloaf is perfect for family dinners, Sunday meals, or anytime you crave something hearty and homemade.

Don’t LOSE this recipe — it’s a keeper! ⭐

🧾 Ingredients

Meatloaf:

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Sweet Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
  3. Add crushed Ritz crackers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Stir in chopped onion and green bell pepper.
  5. Gently fold in ground beef until just combined (don’t overmix — this keeps it tender!).
  6. Shape into a loaf or place into prepared pan.
  7. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, then return to oven for 15–20 more minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

🔥 Cooking Methods

Oven Method (Classic – Recommended)

Bake at 350°F for about 60–65 minutes total.

Skillet + Oven Method

Sear loaf in a skillet first for extra flavor, then finish baking.

Slow Cooker Method

Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add glaze during the last hour.

📜 A Little History

Meatloaf became popular in America during the Great Depression, when families stretched meat with crackers and milk. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort dish. Cracker Barrel helped revive this classic with their signature homestyle version — tender inside, glazed on top, and served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

🧠 Formation (Why This Recipe Works)

  • Ritz crackers + milk = ultra-moist texture
  • Eggs = structure and sliceable firmness
  • Bell pepper & onion = flavor + sweetness
  • Sweet glaze = that famous Cracker Barrel finish

Every ingredient has a purpose — simple, balanced, perfect.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Meatloaf

✔ Juicy and tender
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Kid-approved
✔ Perfect leftovers
✔ True comfort food

Serve it with mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, cornbread, or green beans for the full country-style experience.

🌟 Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with nostalgic goodness — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

If you LOVE cozy homemade recipes like this, be sure to save it and keep coming back 🥰
Must express something to keep getting my recipes — THANK YOU! ⭐

Would you also like a mashed potato + gravy side recipe or a Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole to go with it? 😋

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