Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers Recipe

Introduction

This classic meatloaf recipe combines juicy ground beef with a crunchy twist from crushed crackers. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 Tbsp dried minced onion)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 5×9 loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, beaten egg, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake uncovered for 1 1/2 hours.
4. Step 4: While the meatloaf bakes, mix together the glaze by combining 3/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
5. Step 5: Halfway through the baking time, spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for serving.
6. Step 6: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef without changing the other ingredients.
• Use crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs if you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Meatloaf also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf without an egg?

Yes, eggs help bind the meatloaf, but you can substitute with a mashed ripe banana, unsweetened applesauce, or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a similar effect.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for beef or 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for poultry. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center to check doneness.

Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 117 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with crushed Ritz crackers, seasoned with onion, garlic powder, and a blend of spices. The meatloaf is baked to perfection and topped with a flavorful glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce, offering a tender, juicy, and slightly sweet dinner centerpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried minced onion)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Glaze

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 5×9 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten egg, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
3. Shape and Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake uncovered in the preheated oven for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
4. Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf starts baking, mix 3/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Apply Glaze Midway: Halfway through the baking time (about 45 minutes in), spread half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Continue baking uncovered for the remaining time.
6. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Reserve the remaining glaze for dipping or topping before slicing and serving the meatloaf.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner version.
• Make sure to use crushed crackers, not powder, to retain texture.
• Resting the meatloaf after baking helps it hold together better when slicing.
• The glaze can be doubled for more topping or reserved for leftovers.
• If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, meatloaf recipe, apricot glaze, classic dinner, comfort food