Cracker Barrels Homestyle Meatloaf

My Secret Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe So Good

By Kendra ThompsonAugust 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving Comfort? This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Is Your Answer!

Ever just yearn for something super comforting? I tell you, This cracker barrel meatloaf recipe nails it every time. We are going to explore Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes With Ground Beef Comfort Foods , So buckle up, and let's jump into a heartwarming bite of home.

The Story Behind the Meatloaf

This isn't just any classic meatloaf recipe . It's a copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe inspired by those cozy, old-fashioned dinners.

Originating from American home cooking, meatloaf has been a staple on dinner tables for generations. It represents warmth, family, and hearty satisfaction.

This version gives 6-8 servings. It is pretty easy and should take less than two hours.

Why You'll Love This Moist Meatloaf Recipe

Let's be honest: meatloaf sometimes gets a bad rap. But this recipe? Oh, this is special. It is a fantastic source of protein, perfect for a family gathering or a comforting weeknight meal.

A slice of this is what happiness tastes like.

Get Ready to Gather Your Ingredients

Now, let's dive into the simple ingredients. It's all stuff you probably already have.

Main benefits

-Top health benefit or nutrition highlight -Perfect occasion for serving -What makes this recipe special

Ingredients & Equipment For a Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Alright, let's talk ingredients. This cracker barrel meatloaf recipe isn't rocket science. It's a classic meatloaf recipe , but we gotta get the right stuff.

Plus, I'll share some things I learned the hard way. Like, that one time I forgot an ingredient... disaster! But first.

Main Ingredients to the Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

We're aiming for a moist meatloaf recipe , folks. Here's what you need.

Ground Beef : You'll need 2 lbs (900g) of it. Go for an 80/20 blend . Trust me, the fat keeps it juicy. I find a good quality beef makes a huge difference.
Crushed Saltine Crackers: Grab 1 cup (120g) . That's about 30 crackers , all crushed up fine. They're a secret ingredient.
Milk: You need 1 cup (240ml) of milk. Whole or 2% works best. It helps soften the crackers. Honestly, this is how my grandma made her meatloaf.
Onion : One medium yellow onion, finely chopped ( approximately ½ cup / 75g ). Chop it small, nobody likes big chunks of onion in their meatloaf.
Egg : One large egg, lightly beaten. It's the binder, baby!
Worcestershire Sauce: Two tablespoons ( 30ml ). Don't skip this! It adds a nice umami flavor.
Dried Thyme: One teaspoon ( 5ml ). Just a hint of that earthiness.
Salt & Pepper: One teaspoon ( 5ml ) of salt and ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) of black pepper. Season to taste, of course.

Essential Spice Combinations and Glaze Goodness

Let's make it amazing!

The secret? It's the thyme. It gives it that je ne sais quoi .

The glaze is crucial . This is what sets a cracker barrel meatloaf recipe apart. You'll need:

Ketchup: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Gotta have that tomato base.
Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons ( 30ml ), packed. Adds a sweetness that's so good.
Yellow Mustard: One tablespoon ( 15ml ). For a little tang.

Mix them all up. It's so easy!

Equipment: Tools For the Job

You don't need fancy gear for this old fashioned meatloaf recipe . Just the basics.

Large Mixing Bowl: For getting all the ingredients together.
9x5 inch Loaf Pan: The standard size.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta be accurate.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping that onion.
Meat Thermometer: Honestly, get one. Makes sure you don't get salmonella
Aluminum Foil (Optional): For wrapping the meatloaf to prevent burning.

And that's it! Simple, right? Now you're ready to start cooking. This homemade meatloaf recipe is gonna be epic! I promise.

Plus, it becomes one of your favourite quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef comfort foods !

Cooking Up Comfort: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe, Just Like Grandma's!

Okay, folks, let’s talk meatloaf! Not just any meatloaf, but that cracker barrel meatloaf recipe that tastes like a warm hug.

Honestly, this copycat recipe will have you thinking you’re back at Cracker Barrel. Or maybe even your grandma's kitchen. It's that good!

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Tango

Alright, before we even think about touching that ground beef, let's get our mise en place sorted. That's fancy chef talk for "everything in its place.

" First things first, you'll need to crush about 30 saltine crackers until they're practically dust. Then, finely chop a medium onion.

Seriously, don't skip this, onions make the meatloaf. It's just a matter of slicing, dicing and make sure your ingredients are ready, this saves you from running around like a headless chicken later.

Make sure you have your baking pan ready. Safety reminder: Keep a clean workspace to prevent cross contamination, ya know?

step-by-step: Meatloaf Magic

Ready to get your hands dirty? Let's go!

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
In a large bowl, combine your crushed crackers and 1 cup (240ml) of milk . Let that sit for 10 minutes .
Add 2 lbs (900g) of ground beef , that chopped onion, 1 lightly beaten egg , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried thyme , 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt , and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of black pepper .
Gently mix it all together with your hands. Don't overmix !
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9x5 inch loaf pan .
Mix together ½ cup (120ml) of ketchup , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of brown sugar , and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of yellow mustard for your glaze.
Spread that glaze all over the top of your meatloaf.
Bake for 60- 75 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F ( 71° C) . Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf

Don't overmix that meatloaf. Seriously. You'll end up with a brick. Also, use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.

Trust me on this one. Finally, let it rest ! I know, it's tempting to dive right in, but letting it rest helps the juices redistribute, making it even more moist.

I swear, if you try this classic meatloaf recipe , you won't ever try any other homemade meatloaf recipe .

And that, my friends, is how you create a little bit of comfort food heaven. This easy meatloaf glaze recipe takes it to the next level.

You've got yourself an old fashioned meatloaf recipe !

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Game!

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this classic meatloaf recipe . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll take your Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".

Honestly, it’s all about those little details, right?

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look as Good as it Tastes!

Okay, presentation matters. I'm no fancy chef, but even I know that. For plating, think simple. A slice of that moist meatloaf recipe , a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, and some steamed green beans? Yes, please! I like to drizzle a little extra glaze over the meatloaf slice.

Adds a nice touch.

As for drinks, a glass of iced tea or a root beer feels just right. You know? It completes that whole comfort foods vibe we're going for.

Quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef should be equally easy to serve.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Y'all!

So, leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and it's good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I actually think it tastes even better the next day. Seriously.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag. It'll keep for about 2-3 months.

When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating is easy peasy. You can microwave it, but I prefer to reheat it in the oven at 325° F ( 160° C) for about 15 minutes, to prevent drying out.

Variations: Making it Your Own!

Wanna mix things up? Of course you do! For a gluten-free option, just swap the saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers.

Easy peasy. And if you want to cut down on the fat, try using lean ground beef. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it will be too dry.

Also, you can try my Easy Meatloaf Glaze Recipe .

If you are looking for Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe , this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is it.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for the Soul (and Body!)

Okay, so let's be real. This Crackle Barrel Meatloaf Recipe isn't exactly health food. But it’s packed with protein! A serving will set you back about 420 calories, with 35 grams of protein.

It's definitely a satisfying meal.

Just remember, everything in moderation, right? If you are using Meatloaf with Cracker Topping , just make sure not to use too much crackers to avoid excessive carbs.

This Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is about creating memories. So, go ahead, give it a go! Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe from being dry?

Nobody wants a meatloaf that tastes like sawdust! Using 80/20 ground beef is key; the higher fat content keeps it moist. Also, don't overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.

Think of it like letting a steak rest same principle!

Can I substitute the ingredients in this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe?

Sure thing! You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, but you might need to add a little extra milk to keep it moist since turkey is leaner. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers instead of saltines.

And if you're not a fan of yellow mustard in the glaze, a touch of Dijon or even a tiny bit of hot sauce can add a nice kick. Just remember that substitutions may alter the overall flavor profile slightly.

What's the best way to store leftover meatloaf and how long does it last?

Leftover meatloaf is fantastic! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Reheat in the oven, microwave, or even in a skillet for a delicious leftover lunch.

Is it possible to make this Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Then, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions the next day. You can even shape the meatloaf, glaze it, and then refrigerate it unbaked.

Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's cooked through.

What's the ideal internal temperature for my Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe?

To ensure your meatloaf is cooked safely and deliciously, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding contact with the pan. Once it reaches 160°F, it's good to go!

Then remember to let it rest before slicing.