Easy Cracker Barrel–Style Meatloaf Recipe

This Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe recreates the beloved comfort food classic right in your own kitchen. You’ll master the signature sweet and tangy glaze that makes this dish unforgettable. The simple ingredients and straightforward method deliver restaurant-quality results every time. Whether you’re craving nostalgic diner-style comfort or feeding a hungry family, this homestyle meatloaf satisfies completely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy meatloaf recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. You can have a complete comfort food dinner ready with minimal hands-on effort.

The brown sugar glaze creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Each bite delivers that classic diner-style taste you remember from Cracker Barrel.

This recipe uses simple ingredients you already have in your pantry. No need for specialty items or complicated techniques to achieve delicious results.

The moist, tender texture beats any boxed mix or frozen version. Your family will request this homemade meatloaf on repeat.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, or coat a loaf pan lightly with oil.

Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the meatloaf.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

Mix the breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl until combined. Let this mixture sit for 2 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.

Add the beaten eggs, diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Add the ground beef to the mixture. Use your hands to gently blend the mixture until everything comes together.

Avoid overmixing the meat, as this creates a dense, tough texture. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry ingredients.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Place the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 3 inches tall.

Create a slight indent down the center of the loaf. This prevents the top from cracking during baking.

Smooth the surface with damp hands for an even finish. The meatloaf should have uniform thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl. Mix until the brown sugar dissolves completely.

Reserve half of the glaze for later use. Brush the remaining glaze generously over the top and sides of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Cook for 45 minutes, keeping the oven door closed.

Remove the meatloaf and brush it with the reserved glaze. Place it back in the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should reach 160°F in the center.

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices can evenly redistribute.

Cooking Method Variations

Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits your slow cooker. Place it on a piece of parchment paper for easy removal.

Add ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker. Lower the meatloaf carefully into the cooker.

Brush the top with half the glaze and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours.

Apply the remaining glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The meatloaf should reach 160°F internally before serving.

Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe

Shape the meat mixture into a smaller loaf that fits your air fryer basket. A 6-inch loaf works perfectly for most models.

Set the air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 3 minutes.Place the meatloaf in the basket on a piece of parchment paper.

Brush with half the glaze and cook for 25 minutes. Apply the remaining glaze and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

This quick meatloaf recipe delivers the same great taste in half the time. The air fryer creates excellent caramelization on the glaze.

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory or applewood. These woods complement the beef without overpowering it.

Shape the meatloaf on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking sheet. This makes transferring to the smoker easier.

Smoke the meatloaf for 2 hours without the glaze. The low temperature allows maximum smoke penetration.

Brush with the glaze and increase the temperature to 350°F. Cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into individual mini loaves.

Place the mini meatloaves on a lined baking sheet with space between each one. This allows heat to circulate evenly.

Brush each mini loaf with glaze and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. The smaller size reduces cooking time significantly.

These individual portions work perfectly for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Each person gets their own perfectly glazed meatloaf.

Cast Iron Meatloaf

Preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove carefully using oven mitts.

Shape the meatloaf directly in the hot skillet. The heat creates an immediate sear on the bottom.

Brush with glaze and return to the oven. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

The cast iron creates exceptional browning and helps the meatloaf hold its shape. This old-fashioned method delivers superior texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Keep the meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slice only what you need to maintain moisture.

Keep the glaze separate if you have leftovers. Brush it on during reheating for the best flavor.

Freezer Storage

Wrap the cooled meatloaf in two layers of plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn.

Mark the package with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months.  Slice before freezing for easier portioning.

Thaw frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature, as this promotes bacterial growth.

Reheating Instructions

Warm sliced meatloaf in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Microwave individual slices for 60-90 seconds at 50% power. Add a tablespoon of water or beef broth for moisture.

Reheat the whole meatloaf covered in foil at 300°F for 30-40 minutes. Brush with extra glaze during the last 10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes Cracker Barrel meatloaf so good?

The combination of the sweet brown sugar glaze and moist, well-seasoned meat creates the signature Cracker Barrel taste. This homemade version uses simple ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar in the glaze to recreate that classic sweet and tangy flavor. The 80/20 ground beef blend ensures the meatloaf stays juicy and tender throughout baking.

How do you keep meatloaf moist and not fall apart?

Use the right ratio of breadcrumbs to meat and avoid overmixing the ingredients. The milk-soaked breadcrumbs act as a binder while adding moisture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, which prevents crumbling when you slice it.

What is the secret to making good meatloaf?

The best meatloaf starts with quality ground beef that contains at least 15-20% fat content. Handle the meat gently and mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Apply the glaze twice during baking—once at the beginning and again near the end—for maximum flavor and caramelization.

Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

You can substitute crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour for traditional breadcrumbs. For a low carb meatloaf recipe or keto meatloaf, use pork rinds or simply omit the breadcrumbs entirely. Add an extra egg to help bind the meat together when making this substitution.

Should I cover meatloaf with foil when baking?

Bake the meatloaf uncovered for the entire cooking time to develop a caramelized glaze. Covering with foil traps steam and prevents the glaze from setting properly. Only cover leftover meatloaf when reheating to retain moisture.

Tips, Tricks, and Serving Suggestions

Preparation Tips

Dice the onion very finely so it distributes evenly throughout the meat. Large onion pieces create texture inconsistencies in the finished meatloaf.

Use your hands to mix the meatloaf ingredients instead of a spoon. Your hands provide better control and help you avoid overmixing.

Chill the shaped meatloaf for 15 minutes before baking if you have time. This prevents it from falling apart while cooking.

Create a free-form loaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. This allows the fat to drain away and creates more surface area for the glaze.

Cooking Tips

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning. The parchment prevents sticking without adding extra grease.

Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack while baking. The steam keeps the meatloaf moist throughout the cooking process.

Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. Most ovens have hot spots that can cause uneven cooking.

Test the temperature in multiple spots to ensure thorough cooking. The center should always reach 160°F for food safety.

Flavor Variations

Make an Italian meatloaf by adding dried oregano, basil, and Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. Replace the sweet glaze with marinara sauce for an Italian-style twist.

Create a healthy meatloaf using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add extra seasonings since poultry has milder flavor than beef.

Try a southern meatloaf by mixing in diced bell peppers and using barbecue sauce in the glaze. This southern style version adds regional flair.

Make a gluten free meatloaf by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions or crushed rice crackers. The texture remains perfect with this simple swap.

Glaze Variations

Create a BBQ meatloaf glaze by replacing half the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce. This adds smoky depth to the classic recipe.

Make a meatloaf glaze without ketchup using tomato paste, honey, and balsamic vinegar. This alternative works well for those who dislike ketchup.

Try a sweet and tangy sauce with equal parts honey and Dijon mustard mixed with a splash of soy sauce. This Asian-inspired glaze offers interesting flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comfort food meatloaf with classic mashed potatoes and green beans. The combination creates a complete old-fashioned dinner.

Pair sliced meatloaf with mac and cheese and coleslaw for an authentic southern meal. These traditional sides complement the rich meat perfectly.

Make meatloaf sandwiches with leftover slices on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato. Cold meatloaf sandwiches make excellent next-day lunches.

Crumble leftover meatloaf into pasta sauce for a quick weeknight dinner. The seasoned meat adds hearty flavor to spaghetti or penne.

Serve it with roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. The caramelized veggies balance the rich meatloaf beautifully.

Create a meatloaf dinner plate with corn on the cob and biscuits for a diner-style presentation. This simple combination never disappoints.

Slice the meatloaf thick and serve it over creamy polenta or grits. This Southern-inspired pairing transforms the dish into something special.