This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a homestyle masterpiece — moist and hearty with bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese inside, then slathered with a ketchup-brown sugar glaze. Just like the restaurant, only better at home!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: ~410 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
🧀 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
🧅 1 small onion, finely diced
🫑 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
🍪 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (or 1 cup crushed saltines), crushed
🥛 1/2 cup milk
🥚 2 large eggs
🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
🌿 1 tsp dried parsley
🧂 Salt & black pepper to taste
Glaze:
🍅 1/2 cup ketchup
🍬 1/4 cup brown sugar
🌶️ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a kick)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheese, onion, bell pepper, crushed crackers, milk, eggs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overmix.
3️⃣ Form & Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
4️⃣ Make the Glaze:
While the meatloaf bakes, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl.
5️⃣ Glaze & Finish Baking:
After 40 minutes, remove meatloaf from oven and spread glaze on top. Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes until internal temp hits 160°F.
6️⃣ Rest & Slice:
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans!
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Melted cheddar inside = cheesy surprise in every bite
- 🍅 Signature glaze is sweet, tangy, and caramelized to perfection
- 🥩 Moist, flavorful, and never dry thanks to milk + crackers
- 🍽️ Family-style dinner that reheats beautifully for leftovers!
💡 Helpful Tips
- Don’t overwork the meat — mix just until combined.
- Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Swap green bell pepper for red for a sweeter bite.
- Want a rustic look? Bake it freeform on a lined sheet instead of a loaf pan!
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