Meatloaf with Ritz crackers is sure to become your family's next favorite comfort meal. Made with very few ingredients and prep this recipe comes together easily, perfect for busy nights.
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Homemade meatloaf is a classic comfort food that's easy to prepare and always satisfies. If you've never had meatloaf made with Ritz crackers before, know that it's pretty incredible.
The flaky butter crackers work well as a binder to produce a fluffy textured meatloaf, but the little bits of salt from the crackers also enhance the flavors in every bite.
Many variations of meatloaf exist, but with its rich flavors and endless variations, this easy meatloaf recipe with Ritz crackers is a beloved classic that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Inspired by my Simple Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal, this recipe is downright delicious. We love to serve it up with some Cast Iron Green Beans and 5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese, although I know a lot of people opt for Creamy Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes when they eat meatloaf.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Great for leftovers: This meatloaf rarely lasts long, but if you manage to save some, it's perfect for next-day meatloaf sandwiches.
- Feeds a crowd: One pan makes plenty to serve the whole family with your favorite sides, making it an easy addition to a lazy Sunday dinner.
- Flexible pan options: Bake it in a loaf pan or a square dish. A square pan creates smaller portions and stretches the servings even further.
🛒 Ingredients
Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of moisture and structure so the meatloaf stays juicy without falling apart.
Eggs: Help bind the meatloaf together. A general rule is about one egg per pound of meat. If you're out of eggs, see Meatloaf Without Eggs.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and boosts overall flavor.
Ritz crackers: Act as the binder in place of breadcrumbs. Name brand or store brand both work.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Ground turkey: Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter option. Cook to 165°F and avoid overbaking, as turkey is leaner and can dry out. For more ideas, see Healthy Turkey Meatloaf.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use 80/20 ground beef: It's usually cheaper than leaner blends and keeps the meatloaf moist without needing extra ingredients.
Buy family packs: Ground beef is often cheaper per pound in larger packs. Portion and freeze leftovers for future meals.
Skip specialty toppings: Ketchup does the job perfectly here, so there's no need for pricier sauces or glazes.
🥄 Instructions for Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease an 8x8 baking dish or loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the ketchup.
Step 3: Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Pour the meatloaf mixture into your prepared pan.
Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes if using a square 8x8 pan. Bake for 1 hour if using a 9x5 loaf pan.
Step 6: Remove from oven and drain grease from pan.
Step 7: Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf so that it's evenly covered.
Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes (if using a square pan) or 30 minutes (if using a loaf pan). Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160℉ on an instant read thermometer.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Cracker crumbs: Crush the Ritz crackers by hand or in a food processor. Either method works well, so use what's easiest.
- Pan choice: A loaf pan or 8x8 dish both work, but cooking time will vary based on thickness.
- Check doneness: Make sure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, checking again after adding the ketchup topping.
- Scaling up: Double the recipe and use a 9x13 pan to feed a crowd, following the square pan baking method.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave covered slices for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Make Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. If using a glass dish, let it sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before baking.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers would taste great with just about anything as a side dish, but because it's a comfort food classic, having it with simpler side dishes makes sense.
I recommend trying it with Dairy Free Deviled Eggs, this Easy Canned Corn Recipe, or some Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon.
- Dairy Free Deviled EggsRecipe $3.37 / Serving $0.28
- Easy Canned Corn RecipeRecipe $1.08 / Serving $0.27
- Slow Cooker Cabbage with BaconRecipe $5.37 / Serving $0.54
- Dairy Free Mashed PotatoesRecipe $2.42 / Serving $0.61
❓ Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers FAQs
If you want to cook the meatloaf at 375℉, the baking time will be lessened. Check your meatloaf after 40 minutes and if it's reached 160℉, then drain grease, top with ketchup, and return to oven for 5 minutes before serving.
If your meatloaf falls apart when sliced or being removed from the pan, the main reasons for it to have done so would be that you didn't press the meatloaf together well enough when adding it to the pan, or you didn't use the proper amount of binding agents in the recipe.
There's no reason to cover your meatloaf while it bakes. You want the top to create a nice caramelized crust, as this helps to seal in the juices for a softer loaf. If the top of your meatloaf is getting too dark you can gently lay a piece of foil over the top, but do not crimp or tuck the edges.
Did you know that one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers is about one cup? You can use them instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf recipes. It makes the meatloaf moist and buttery, and everyone will love it!
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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- Ground Beef Pot PieRecipe $10.66 / Serving $1.79
- Taco Mac and Cheese (with Rotel)Recipe $7.69 / Serving $0.96
- Mac and Cheese Tuna CasseroleRecipe $6.94 / Serving $0.87
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📖 Recipe
Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers
Equipment
- 8x4 Bread Loaf Pan or 8x8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef - ($6.42)
- 2 large eggs - ($0.30)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - ($0.01)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced - ($0.16)
- ¼ teaspoon salt - ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - ($0.02)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder - ($0.02)
- ¾ cups Ritz cracker crumbs, about ½ sleeve - ($0.49)
- ½ cup ketchup - ($0.16)
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan or an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Ritz cracker crumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake.Loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.8x8 dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Top. Remove from the oven and carefully drain excess grease. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top.
- Finish. Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pan options. Cooking time varies by pan size. A 9x5-inch loaf pan may require up to 1 hour before topping with ketchup, then additional baking until 160°F.
- Cracker crumbs. Ritz crackers can be crushed by hand or pulsed in a food processor.
- Make ahead. Assemble in advance and refrigerate. If using a glass pan, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Information
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