Enjoy all the flavors of Cracker Barrel at home with this savory meatloaf! Packed with zesty green bell peppers, buttery Ritz crackers, and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: Moist, tender, and full of flavor, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meatloaf the night before and bake when ready.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Flavors develop even more overnight, perfect for sandwiches or quick meals.
- Copycat Flavor: Tastes just like the famous Cracker Barrel meatloaf.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, drained
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, drained tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, milk, and black pepper. Fold in crushed Ritz crackers.
- Press mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Mix topping ingredients and spread evenly over the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Spray 2 mini loaf pans with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients as above and press into mini loaf pans. Air fry for 30 minutes.
- Spread topping over meatloaf and cook an additional 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Avoid Overcooking: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; remove at 160°F, then let rest.
- Parchment Paper: Makes removing the meatloaf from the pan effortless.
- Meat Options: Mix ground beef and ground pork for extra moist meatloaf. Avoid very lean beef.
- Cracker Options: Saltines work in place of Ritz crackers.
- Bell Pepper Options: Use red bell pepper for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with mashed potatoes, candied carrots, green beans, or jalapeño corn muffins for a complete meal.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.