Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meatloaf is simple yet packed with flavor. The crushed Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese add a delicious richness, while the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce infuse it with savory depth. Plus, the ketchup and mustard glaze gives it the perfect tangy finish. It’s quick to prep, bakes up beautifully, and makes great leftovers too!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 oz onion soup mix
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 Ritz crackers, crumbled

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Ketchup Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside.
Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onions, diced green bell peppers, milk, and onion soup mix.
Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they are finely ground. Add the crushed crackers to the meat mixture.
Add Ketchup Mixture and Cheese: Pour ⅓ cup of the prepared ketchup mixture into the meat mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, then use your hands to mix everything until fully combined.
Shape the Meatloaf: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with aluminum foil and spray it well with cooking spray. Press the meat mixture into the pan and smooth the top evenly.
Add Ketchup Glaze: Spread the remaining ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes.
Add Topping: After 50 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled Ritz crackers.
Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it from the pan using the aluminum foil. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian: Use a meat substitute like lentils, quinoa, or a store-bought plant-based meat option, along with the same seasonings.
Extra Veggies: Add chopped mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Slice the meatloaf and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping before baking.

2. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can use any kind of cracker, but Ritz crackers give a nice buttery flavor and texture.

3. Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can work well in this recipe.

4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach at least 160°F (71°C).

5. Can I make this meatloaf without the Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute the crackers with breadcrumbs, but the Ritz crackers give a distinctive flavor and crispiness.

6. Can I make this recipe in a muffin tin for individual servings?

Yes, bake at the same temperature, but check for doneness at around 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the muffin tin.

7. Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs as a substitute for the Ritz crackers.

9. How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

Be sure to not overcook the meatloaf, as ground beef can dry out if cooked too long. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Just increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings a new twist to a classic family favorite. With its cheesy, savory filling and crispy cracker topping, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s simple enough to make for a weeknight meal but special enough for guests. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!

Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

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Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is a flavorful, cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf. With a savory beef mixture, melted cheddar, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, this easy-to-make dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onions, diced green bell peppers, milk, and onion soup mix.
Place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin until finely ground. Add the crushed crackers to the meat mixture.
Pour ⅓ cup of the prepared ketchup mixture into the meat mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, then mix everything together until fully combined.
Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Press the meat mixture into the pan and smooth the top evenly.
Spread the remaining ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 50 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled Ritz crackers.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.