Name: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 green pepper, diced; 1 can diced tomatoes, well drained; 1 egg; 1/2 cup frozen shredded hash browns; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup ketchup

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

This Cracker Barrel copycat meatloaf recipe will shock you -- it's better than the original!

By: Addie Gundry, Cookbook Author and Food Network Star

8 Comments

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

By: Addie Gundry, Cookbook Author and Food Network Star

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is an easy recipe that you don't even have to leave the house for. This is one of the best meatloaf recipes around and we're sure you'll see why after just one bite! This recipe is made with hash browns instead of the traditional breadcrumbs, which really gives it a unique flavor and texture. Plus, if you happen to like hash browns as much as us, you welcome them in any form in any dish!

In restaurants, you might wonder why the food tastes so much better than what you make at home, but you'll never have to wonder that again. We've captured all of the best parts of the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe. So don't bother going out to eat for dinner anymore! Try making this recipe for dinner tonight for a comforting meal the whole family will flock to the table for.

Serves4

Preparation Time15 min

Cooking Time1 hr

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 can diced tomatoes, well drained
1 egg
1/2 cup frozen shredded hash browns
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ketchup

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients, except the ketchup.
Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray. Place meat on the sheet pan and form into a loaf. Spread the ketchup on top of the loaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated 350 degree F oven for 55-60 minutes or until cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
Transfer the meatloaf to serving platter and slice.

Meatloaf FAQs

How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Try letting the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before you cut into it. You can also use ground beef with a higher fat content (less than 90% lean). The fat actually helps hold the meatloaf together, so meat that's too lean can result in a dry, crumbly meatloaf.

What's the best ground beef for meatloaf?
If you're using all ground beef, like in this recipe, we recommend 80% lean ground beef (80/20) or 70% lean ground beef (70/30). Because meatloaf cooks for a long time in the oven, the extra fat in the recipe will help keep the dish from drying out. It will also help keep your meatloaf from falling apart, as we mention above!

What can I use in meatloaf instead of bread crumbs?
Ritz crackers, saltines, oats, and rice can all be used instead of bread crumbs in meatloaf. Basically, you just need something bready or starchy to help bind the loaf together. As you can see in this recipe, you can even use hash browns!

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AmyJackson

Jul 06, 2018

Oh wow, I love that this has hashbrowns in it!!

AuntKarolyn

Sep 14, 2017

Using hashbrowns as a binder in meatloaf instead of bread crumbs...now why didn't I think of that? This Better Than Cracker Barrel's Meatloaf is so good. It's full of simple flavors that combine beautifully, and the hashbrowns give it a great texture and moisture. I am so glad I found this recipe.

Edmund K

Apr 26, 2017

The idea of using hashbrowns as a binder instead of breadcrumbs or oats is new to me and sounds really intriguing. I'd like to try making up this style of meatloaf the next time I decide to make one. The other ingredients are pretty standard to the way I normally make meatloaf, though I also don't care very much for ketchup as a sauce. There's an interesting sauce given with an Amish meatloaf recipe that uses ketchup, mustard and brown sugar that looks more promising.

Rnbowgrl

Apr 07, 2017

Hash browns in meatloaf? Hmmmm...I've never had Cracker Barrels meatloaf before, but I do love me some meatloaf. It's like having your meat and potatoes all in one. I'm definitely not a fan of ketchup on meatloaf, so I'll have to leave it off but I've found that adding tomatoes in meatloaf...makes it super moist and flavorful.

msdeb21

Feb 22, 2017

I make a copy of Boston Market meatloaf and it is very good. I always serve mashed potatoes with it. I'm interested in this recipe because hash browns are a fun ingredient I never thought of.

Alysanne

Feb 21, 2017

Now I have tried meatloaf just about every which way but not with hash browns. Sounds reasonable though so will be making it this week for sure. I have put ketchup both in and on top but not have not used diced tomatoes. Maybe that is why I love Cracker Barrels meatloaf.

Jim Moriarty

Jan 20, 2017

I haven't tried hash browns in meatloaf either, but it sounds like it'd be awesome! I'll have to try it soon.

Ruthep

Dec 06, 2016

Interesting! I never would have thought of using hashbrowns as a binder in my meatloaf. I have never been a fan of putting ketchup on meatloaf before baking. That wouldn't really be a copy cat anymore though. Might have to try it with and without and decide.