🍽️ Ingredients (serves 6–8)
Meatloaf Base:
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2 lb (900 g) 80/20 ground beef
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1½ sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60), crushed (~1½ cups)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
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½ cup finely diced onion
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¼–½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
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3 large eggs, lightly beaten
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½ cup whole milk
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1 tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Glaze:
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½–¾ cup ketchup
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2–½ Tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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(Optional) 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for depth
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🔪 Preparation Steps
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking pan or loaf pan with foil for easier cleanup. {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search0{CITATION_END}
2. Mix the Veggies
(Optional tip from Reddit for softer veggies: lightly sauté onion & pepper in olive oil until tender—about 5 minutes, then cool) {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0reddit15{CITATION_END}
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix eggs, crushed crackers, cheese, onion, bell pepper, milk, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the ground beef—mix until just combined to avoid a dense loaf. {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search9{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search10{CITATION_END}
4. Shape & Bake (First Stage)
Form mixture into loaf shape and place in the pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Add the Glaze & Finish Baking
Meanwhile, whisk together glaze ingredients. After initial bake, spread glaze over loaf and bake another 30–40 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160 °F (71 °C). {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search3{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search4{CITATION_END}
6. Rest Before Serving
Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search0{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search4{CITATION_END}
💡 Pro Tips
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Don’t overmix—keep it tender! {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search0{CITATION_END}
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Use 80/20 ground beef to ensure moisture. {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search0{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search4{CITATION_END}
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Resting the loaf is key for clean slices. {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0search0{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0reddit15{CITATION_END}
🧑🍳 Community Wisdom
One Reddit user shared a useful method:
“Sauté the diced peppers and onions … set aside and let cool… Form it in a loaf and place it into a loaf pan… Pull it once it reaches 155 °F… Let it rest for 15 minutes … it will increase 8–10 degrees” {CITATION_START}cite{CITATION_DELIMITER}turn0reddit15{CITATION_END}
This approach adds extra flavor and helps avoid overcooking.
🥔 Serving Suggestions
Cracker Barrel typically pairs this with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or their famous hash brown casserole. On a cozy evening, this meal truly hits the comfort-food sweet spot.
Let me know if you’d like to customize it—like swapping turkey, making an air-fryer version, or turning leftovers into sandwiches!