Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Craving the comfort of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings the hearty, savory flavors of the restaurant right to your kitchen! With tender ground beef, a perfect blend of seasonings, and a flavorful glaze, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and full of delicious flavor!

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe captures all the savory goodness of the beloved restaurant dish, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef, a blend of seasonings, and a delicious ketchup glaze, this meatloaf is tender on the inside with a slight crust on the outside, just like the original.

If you love Cracker Barrel Recipes, try my recipe for cracker barrel sunday homestyle chicken, cracker barrel dumplings, or cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Comfort Food at Its Best – This meatloaf is the perfect blend of savory flavors and tender texture, bringing the warmth and nostalgia of Cracker Barrel to your home.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – With a few pantry staples and simple seasonings, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that tastes just like the restaurant’s classic.
• Versatile Meal – Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
• Easy to Make – This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.
• Perfect Leftovers – The meatloaf holds up wonderfully, making for delicious leftovers that you can enjoy the next day, whether in a sandwich or re-heated for a quick meal!

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps sauté vegetables.
• Yellow Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet, savory base flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and flavor.
• Ground beef: Offers a juicy, hearty texture and flavor.
• Ritz crackers: Binds the meat mixture, adding crispness.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive loaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese adds richness and a sharp flavor.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps soften the mixture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors in the meatloaf.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to taste.
• Ketchup: Creates a tangy, sweet glaze for the meatloaf.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
• Yellow mustard: Mustard adds a tangy zing to balance the sweetness.

How To Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step One: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Add the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step Three: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide, and place it into the air fryer basket. Make sure the loaf is compact and even.

Step Four: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spread this mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf.

Step Five: Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through cooking, you can check for doneness and brush on more of the topping if desired.

Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser meatloaf.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for proper doneness.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help keep it tender and juicy.
• Air Fryer Size Matters: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to adjust the cooking time. A smaller air fryer may require shorter cooking times, so check for doneness early.
• Topping Variations: Customize the topping with different flavors like adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Even Cooking: Ensure your meatloaf is evenly shaped and compact for consistent cooking. This will prevent parts of it from being overcooked or undercooked.
• Double the Recipe: You can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure the meatloaf fits comfortably in your air fryer basket and adjusts the cooking time accordingly.

Storing

• Storing: Once the meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain its flavor and texture for the best reheating results.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a ready-to-cook meal for later.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.

What To Serve With Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Pair your Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or buttered corn on the cob for a well-rounded, hearty meal.

For a bit of freshness, a crisp garden salad or coleslaw can balance the richness of the meatloaf, while biscuits or cornbread will soak up the delicious juices and gravy.

Copycat Recipe Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Faqs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly different. You may also want to add a bit of extra moisture, like some additional milk or broth, to keep it juicy.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, form it into a loaf, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it a great meal prep option.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done? The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I cook this meatloaf in a regular oven instead of the air fryer? Yes! You can cook the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out? To avoid a dry meatloaf, be sure not to overmix the ingredients, and use ingredients like milk, eggs, and shredded cheese to help keep it moist. Also, resting the meatloaf after cooking helps redistribute the juices for a juicier result.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

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