Meatloaf is a staple of home-cooked comfort food, offering a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. This Cheddar Ritz Cracker Meatloaf takes a delicious twist on the traditional recipe by using crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, adding a rich buttery flavor and soft texture. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese enhances its depth, while a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dish from childhood or a new family favorite, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of preparation, baking, and serving to ensure you get the perfect meatloaf every time. You’ll also find useful tips to customize the recipe to your preference. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
To make this rich and cheesy meatloaf, you will need:
Meatloaf
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 32 Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
Glaze (Topping)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Crush the Crackers – Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-lock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk and whisk together until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Add Ground Beef – Gently fold the ground beef into the mixture, using your hands or a spatula. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing, as it can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Shape the Meatloaf – Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a firm, even loaf to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatloaf – Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze and Apply
- Make the Glaze – While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
- First Glaze Layer – After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and spoon half of the glaze evenly over the top.
- Continue Baking – Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Final Glaze Layer – Spoon the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes slightly.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Meatloaf – Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
- Slice and Serve – Cut into thick slices and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- For a Spicy Twist – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Make it Extra Cheesy – Stuff the center of the meatloaf with additional shredded cheddar for a gooey surprise.
- Swap the Crackers – Use buttery Club crackers or crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Lean Option – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make it lighter.
This Cheddar Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, buttery crackers, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-sweet glaze. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that fits into any busy schedule while still delivering rich, homemade flavor.
Whether you serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a Sunday family meal, or even meal prep leftovers, this meatloaf will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, tender bite!