Here’s a classic comfort-food meatloaf using Ritz crackers—super moist, slightly buttery, and easy to make 🍴
🍖 Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or dried herbs
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven
350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment. - Prep the cracker mixture
In a bowl, soak crushed Ritz crackers in milk for 5 minutes until soft. - Mix the meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, soaked crackers, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix—keeps it tender). - Shape & glaze
Shape mixture into a loaf and place in pan. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread over top. - Bake
55–65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). - Rest & serve
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to hold shape.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Cheesy twist: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into meatloaf.
- Bacon-wrapped: Wrap the loaf with bacon for extra flavor.
- Vegetable boost: Add finely grated carrots or zucchini.
- Mini meatloaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
If you want, I can give a super-moist version with Ritz and cream cheese that melts inside when you slice—it’s next-level comfort food. Do you want me to do that?
