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Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Made Easy

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Made Easy

A tender, cheesy ground beef meatloaf made with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and finished with a sweet mustard-ketchup glaze. This comforting dinner takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 pepper Green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 eggs Large eggs
  • 1 1/2 sleeves, about 36 crackers Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and finely dice the onion and green bell pepper.
  3. Combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, cheddar, eggs, cracker crumbs, milk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix just until combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
  5. Stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the partially baked meatloaf.
  6. Continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for a moist loaf, mix gently so the meat does not become dense, and rely on an instant-read thermometer for doneness. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.