This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf dish is for those of you that would like to bring the famous recipe home to your kitchen. I have included both oven method and Air Fryer methods below! Packed with flavor and ultra juicy!
Make a wholesome dish that reminds you of your favorite entree at Cracker Barrel with this delicious Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. It’s easy to prepare and has a savory, impeccable taste that goes great with many sides.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Cracker Barrel is a top-rated restaurant known for its incredibly moist and flavorful meatloaf. If it’s one of your favorite entrees to order from the chain restaurant, you’ll be glad to know that you can quickly and easily make it at home for yourself and the family. It won’t require much effort or too many ingredients to put such a flavorful entree together, which you can then serve with some of your favorite sides. Give this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe a try when you’re in the mood for a wholesome, hearty meal loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- If you’re a fan of the Cracker Barrel version of the dish, you’re going to enjoy this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe because it tastes exactly like what you’d get at the restaurant.
- It’s easy to prepare this meatloaf using simple and flavorful ingredients that will leave you with a wholesome, tender, and delicious entree.
- You can pair this meatloaf with some of your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, baked sweet potatoes, or anything else that you enjoy.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Ingredients
If you want to make a copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf, you’ll need to use the following ingredients to assemble it:
- Ground Beef – Instead of using leaner ground beef, go for the kind with more fat because it holds well and adds more flavor to this dish.
- Diced Tomatoes with Onion and Peppers – Grab yourself a can of diced tomatoes that come with onions and pepper.
- Ritz Crackers – You’ll crush the crackers and combine them with your meat for that added crunch and flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Add a slight tang to this dish with the use of apple cider vinegar.
- Ketchup – The sweet taste of the ketchup goes great with the meaty flavor of this meatloaf.
Other ingredients needed include Worcestershire sauce, green pepper, eggs, milk, black pepper, onion powder, mustard, and brown sugar.
Common Questions
Do I have to make this meatloaf with Ritz crackers or can I use something else?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use a generic version of the crackers or saltines as a replacement. You want to use crackers with salt on them for that added flavor and texture they bring to the dish.
Can I make this dish in the air fryer?
Yes! There are two great ways to prepare the meatloaf. You can bake it in the oven or cook it in the air fryer, whichever you prefer. You may want to use the air fryer if you feel it’s more convenient. No matter which option you choose, this meatloaf will still turn out to taste amazing!
What if I don’t like ketchup?
If you don’t like ketchup, you can leave it out of this recipe and skip adding the ketchup glaze on top of the meatloaf as a finishing touch. However, when you combine it with other ingredients, such as vinegar, mustard, and brown sugar, it has such a sweet, incredible taste that goes great with the baked meat.
How long will this need to bake in the oven?
You’ll cook the meatloaf in the oven for an hour. Make sure you’re paying attention to the time and don’t overcook it. If you’re keeping it in the oven for too long, the meatloaf will become dry and won’t taste nearly as good.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- If you want to make sure you can easily remove your meatloaf from the pan, be sure to place some parchment paper inside it before adding your meat on top. The meatloaf will come out of the pan with ease and won’t break apart or become messy.
- When you want this meatloaf super moist and delicious, consider using a mixture of ground beef with ground pork.
- Contrary to popular belief, Cracker Barrel doesn’t use oatmeal or cheese in their meatloaf, so these are two ingredients you won’t need to have when preparing this dish.
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained
- 1/2 green pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Topping:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a bread pan with cooking spray. Cut a small piece of parchment paper and place in the bottom of the pan. Spray with cooking spray.
- Combine the meat, canned tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, milk and pepper together in the bowl. Stir in the crackers.
- Evenly press the meatloaf into the pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Combine the topping ingredients together in a bowl. Spread over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Remove and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°. Spray 2 mini loaf pans with cooking spray and line with a small piece of parchment paper.
- Combine the meat, canned tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, milk and pepper together in the bowl. Stir in the crackers.
- Evenly press the meatloaf into the mini loaf pans and place in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Combine the topping ingredients together in a bowl. Spread over the meatloaves and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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Comments & Reviews
Claire says
Excellent and so easy to make.