Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
A comforting and flavorful meatloaf recipe that mimics the famous Cracker Barrel dish, featuring a blend of ground beef, vegetables, and spices, and topped with ketchup for that signature flavor.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 works well
- 1 small Onion Chopped, adds flavor and moisture
- 1 small Bell Pepper Chopped, adds flavor and color
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers Crumbled, helps bind and adds moisture
- 1 cup Ketchup Add a thick layer on top for flavor
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded, enhances flavor and richness
- 2 large Eggs Binds ingredients together
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the onion and bell pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, beaten eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, milk, shredded cheddar, and ketchup.
- Mix gently with your hands until ingredients are just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or in a pan.
Baking
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and slather more ketchup on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Serving
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
- Serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
For best results, use fresh vegetables and a generous layer of ketchup on top. Leftovers taste even better the next day; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.