Name: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484646H27M56S
Total time: PT-484646H27M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained; ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup whole milk; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; ½ cup ketchup; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon mustard

Craving the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf? Look no further! With this easy-to-follow recipe, I can enjoy the hearty goodness of this classic dish right in my own kitchen. Packed with juicy ground beef, savory diced tomatoes, and a mouthwatering topping, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite at my dinner table. Whether I opt for the traditional oven method or the quicker air fryer approach, I’m in for a culinary delight that will have my family asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is how it brings together comforting, home-cooked flavors that remind me of a hearty family dinner. The combination of ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, and savory vegetables creates a perfect blend of textures. The topping, with its tangy-sweet notes of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, adds that extra burst of flavor that makes this meatloaf irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—I can make it in the oven or opt for the air fryer method when I’m short on time.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained

½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 large eggs, beaten

½ cup whole milk

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

½ cup ketchup

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained tomatoes, diced green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, milk, and black pepper. Fold in the crushed Ritz crackers until everything is well combined.

Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by mixing together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and mustard.

After 30 minutes, remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface.

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Grease 2 mini loaf pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained tomatoes, diced green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, milk, and black pepper. Fold in the crushed Ritz crackers.

Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly between the prepared mini loaf pans. Place them in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 30 minutes.

While the meatloaf is air frying, prepare the topping by mixing together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and mustard.

After 30 minutes, remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the air fryer and spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface.

Return the mini loaf pans to the air fryer and continue to air fry for an additional 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes (oven) / 37 minutes (air fryer)

Serving Size: 6 servings

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (oven) / 42 minutes (air fryer)

Variations

I can switch things up by adding different seasonings to suit my taste. If I like a bit of heat, I might add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture. For a richer flavor, I could use ground turkey or pork instead of beef. I also love the idea of mixing in other vegetables, like shredded carrots or zucchini, for extra nutrients and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store any leftovers, I’ll wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, I can freeze the meatloaf (without the topping) for up to 3 months. To reheat, I’ll simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on the portion size.

Related Recipes:

French Onion Meatloaf

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz?

Yes, I can! I like using Ritz because they give the meatloaf a buttery, flaky texture, but I could substitute with another brand of buttery crackers or even plain breadcrumbs if I prefer.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Definitely! I can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. When I’m ready to cook it, I’ll just bake or air fry as directed.

Can I freeze Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?

Yes, I can freeze this meatloaf. I recommend freezing it without the topping to prevent it from getting soggy. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing, and it will last for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

I can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 160°F, it’s done. It’s always better to check the temperature rather than cutting it open to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Yes, I can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. It might change the texture slightly, but it’s a great leaner alternative.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its savory flavor, crispy topping, and simple ingredients, it’s easy to see why it’s such a family favorite. Whether I bake it in the oven or opt for the quicker air fryer method, I can’t go wrong with this hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, with the ability to freeze leftovers or make it ahead of time, it’s a recipe I’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy!

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