Here’s a Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers recipe — it’s juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! The Ritz crackers add a delicious buttery texture and help keep the meatloaf moist. Perfect for a comforting dinner. 🍖🍽️
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 is ideal for juicy meatloaf)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 packet (about 1 cup) of Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for the mixture)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
🥄 Instructions
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, crushed Ritz crackers, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
- Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat, or it could become tough.
- Shape the meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Shape the top into a smooth, even surface.
- Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If the glaze starts to get too dark, you can cover it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Slice and serve with mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
💡 Tips:
- Add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Change the cracker type: If you don’t have Ritz, you can substitute with Saltines or another type of cracker, but Ritz gives the best buttery flavor.
- For a spicy kick, you can mix some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the glaze.
- Leftover meatloaf makes great sandwiches the next day!
This meatloaf with Ritz crackers is extra moist and full of flavor. Do you want a side dish to go with it, like mashed potatoes or veggies?
