Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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Are you craving the comfort of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf but don’t want to leave home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe lets you make it right in your kitchen. With simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, cheese, and Ritz crackers, you can create a meatloaf that tastes just like the restaurant version.

The best part? It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. In just over an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal that serves 8 people. The sweet and tangy glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Cracker Barrel without the drive!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf:

For the meatloaf:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 48 Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the topping:

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The bell pepper is optional, but it adds a nice flavor and texture to your meatloaf.

Remember to crush your Ritz crackers finely. They’ll help bind the meatloaf and add a yummy buttery taste.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

Mix the topping in a small bowl. Combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat 3 eggs. Add crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheese, milk, diced onion, bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Add ground beef to the bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix or your meatloaf may be tough.

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf.

Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove from oven and spread the topping over the meatloaf.

Return to oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 155°F (68°C).

Let your meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better.

Serve and enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out some ingredients in this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe. Here are some tasty options:

Ground meat:

• Ground turkey
• Ground pork
• Ground chicken

Crackers:

• Breadcrumbs
• Oatmeal
• Crushed cornflakes

Cheese:

• Mozzarella
• Pepper jack
• Swiss

You can also try different veggies like grated carrots or zucchini instead of bell peppers. For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and skip the cheese.

If you don’t have ketchup for the topping, try barbecue sauce or tomato sauce with a bit of honey. Want a spicier kick? Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat mix.

Remember, these swaps might change the flavor a bit, but they’ll still give you a yummy meatloaf. Have fun trying new combos!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can enjoy a tasty meatloaf while managing your blood sugar. Here are some easy swaps to make this recipe more diabetes-friendly:

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat. This simple change reduces calories too.

Replace the Ritz crackers with whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption.

Cut the cheese amount in half. You’ll still get great flavor with less fat and calories.

For the topping, use sugar-free ketchup and skip the brown sugar. Add some dried herbs like oregano for extra taste without the sugar.

Make smaller portions. Divide the loaf into 10-12 servings instead of 8. This helps with portion control.

Serve your meatloaf with non-starchy veggies like green beans or a side salad. The extra fiber will help balance your meal.

Remember to check your blood sugar before and after trying this new recipe. Everyone’s body responds differently to foods.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Don’t overmix the meat. Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender. Use fresh veggies for best flavor and texture.

Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps the meatloaf keep its shape when serving.

Let the meatloaf rest after cooking. This makes it easier to slice and keeps it juicy.

To store leftovers, wrap tightly in foil or put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot.

For a fun twist, try making mini meatloaves in a muffin tin. They cook faster and are great for portion control.

Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Cracker Barrel-style meal at home.