Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf

Introduction:
If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their meatloaf is one of the ultimate comfort food dishes—tender, juicy, and full of homestyle flavor. This Cracker Barrel-Style Meatloaf recipe captures that same classic taste right at home. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, a touch of sweetness from the glaze, and a perfect blend of seasonings that make every bite hearty and satisfying. Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for the perfect down-home meal.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed
• 4 ounces (½ cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Crackers:
   Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by sealing them in a plastic bag and rolling with a pin.
3. Mix the Meatloaf:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, cracker crumbs, shredded cheddar, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—it can make the meatloaf dense.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
   Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or dish and shape it into a loaf about 9×5 inches. Press lightly to hold the form but don’t compact it too tightly.
5. Make the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
6. Bake:
   Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve:
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
8. Serve:
   Slice and serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or green beans for a classic Southern-style meal.

Pro Tips:

• Substitute part of the ground beef with ground pork for extra tenderness.
• For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of BBQ sauce to the glaze.
• Make extra glaze—it’s delicious drizzled over mashed potatoes!
• Leftovers make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day.