Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Baked meatloaf on wooden platter with a few slices revealed. Meatloaf sauce on top and running down the sides a little.

Move over boring meatloaf, because Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is here to save dinner time! With its crushed Ritz crackers adding a burst of buttery goodness, this dish takes meatloaf from "meh" to "mmm."

Course Dessert, Entree

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 433kcal

Author Anne Clark

Equipment

mixing bowl
measuring cup(s)
measuring spoons
rimmed sheet pan

Ingredients

MEATLOAF

½ cup fresh minced onion (Note - minced is smaller than diced and chopped)
2 eggs
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic (Tip - use the minced garlic that comes in a jar)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon milk
2.25 lbs ground beef (Tip - for easier mixing, cut the ground beef into 8 chunks)
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (the texture of the crackers should be similar to breadcrumbs)

GLAZE

½ cup ketchup
4 tablespoon brown sugar (Note - 4 tablespoon of brown sugar makes a sweet glaze; for a less sweet glaze, use 2 tbsp)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325F.
Place all the ingredients -- except for the ground beef and crackers -- in a large bowl and mix well. Tip - a whisk works well for this step.
Add the ground beef and the crackers to the bowl with the mixture. Blend well, shape into a loaf, and place into a rimmed baking pan or casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the glaze and spread on top. Tip - before adding the glaze, make a small well down the center of the meatloaf with the back of a spoon to help keep some of the glaze from sliding down the meatloaf.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Check for doneness (an internal temperature of 160F; and no red juices released when pricked with a fork). Bake another 5-10 minutes if need be. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Make it a complete meal by adding one or two of the following side dishes.

Mashed Potatoes

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread

Southern English Pea Salad

Store-bought rolls and a green salad.

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat meatloaf is in the microwave. It's a quick and easy method especially if you're in a hurry. Take 2-3 slices of meatloaf, place them on a plate, cover with another plate, and heat on 50% power for 30-60 seconds, depending on how thick or thin your slices are and how warm you want the meatloaf to get. Try not to overheat the meatloaf or it'll get dry!

Nutrition