My family loves this Ritz Cracker Meatloaf. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face. If you’re looking to rediscover the magic of meatloaf from your grandmother’s table. Get ready for some seriously good, old-fashioned comfort food, with a little buttery, crispy secret.
Meatloaf is a staple in my house. If your family loves this retro classic as much as mine, try my instant pot meatloaf recipe and my flavorful, meatloaf seasoning recipe.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Why this Ritz Cracker Meatloaf Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe has been a staple in my family for three generations. It is just that good. It is comforting memory that everyone loves.
- Unique Texture and Flavor: Ritz crackers add a buttery, slightly salty, and unique texture.
- Easy to Make: It’s a simple recipe that’s accessible to home cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a comforting and familiar dish that’s often a hit with families.
- Versatile: It can be customized with various ingredients and flavors.
- Economical: It’s a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd.
- Great for Leftovers: Leftover meatloaf is delicious in sandwiches, salads, or other dishes.
- It is delicious: It is a very delicious and comforting meal.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Of course, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork to make this delicious dish. Even use a combination of ground meat to create a wonderful meal.
Pro Tip to Make Meatloaf
Use a meat thermometer: This will help you know when the meatloaf is done.
Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for Delicious Meatloaf
Unlike traditional meatloaf, this Cracker Barrel version boasts a unique tenderness from the incorporated vegetables, a delightful cheesy richness from cheddar, and a subtle buttery flavor courtesy of Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: A nice ground meat. Try a nice 80/20 blend is perfect for the recipe. Ground chuck is the best meat for this recipe.
- VARIATION: Try ground, lamb, pork or other ground meats. Even mix in
- Ritz Crackers: Use a low fat variety or any of the flavored crackers if you prefer.
- Parmesan Cheese: The salty perfection of the cheese adds rich flavor to the loaf.
- VARIATION: You can use cheddar, feta, mozzarella or your favorite kind.
- VARIATION: Spice Variations: Add smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning. Use thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Liquid Variations to add Moisture to the Meatloaf: Use beef broth, tomato juice, or red wine for this classic meatloaf recipe.
How to Make the Best Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers
This southern meatloaf is a favorite for a reason. It is moist, full of buttery flavor and is perfect for dinner and sandwiches.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep: First, preheat the oven, then mix the crushed Ritz crackers and milk. Then add the onions and vegetables to a food processor. In a large bowl add the ground beef, cracker mixture, onion mixture, parmesan cheese, eggs and All Purpose Seasoning.
- Form the Loaf: Form the ground beef meat mixture and onion mixture into a loaf and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix the Ketchup, brown sugar and dry mustard. Spread half on top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake and Rest: Bake in a loaf pan for a cook time of 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature on a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
It is always great to prep ahead some of the ingredients to make this dish on a busy weekday.
- Crush the Ritz Crackers: Crush the Ritz crackers in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Chop Aromatics: Chop onions, garlic, and any other vegetables (like bell peppers or celery) and store them in the refrigerator.
- Mix Dry Spices for Meatloaf Mix: Combine all the dry spices in a small bowl or container. Mix well.
- Measure Liquids: Measure out any liquid ingredients (like milk, Worcestershire sauce, or tomato paste).
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers and What to Serve with Meatloaf using Ritz Crackers
This is one of my favorite ground beef recipes. This beef meatloaf recipe makes a juicy meatloaf you can use in so many different ways.
- Storing: Place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
- Reheat Meatloaf: You can reheat this recipe in a oven, microwave or airfryer.
- Using Leftovers: This is a great recipe for cold meatloaf or hot. To make a classic leftover meatloaf sandwich or make a hot meatloaf sandwich and cover the slice of meatloaf with brown gravy.
Common Questions About The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever
Yes, this is a great way to add vegetables to your children’s diet. For example: Mix together bell peppers, diced carrots, finely diced chopped mushrooms or finely chopped spinach. Just to name a few for your new favorite meatloaf recipe.
Dry meatloaf is the worst. Cook your meatloaf in a meatloaf in a pan of water before cooking, also known as a water bath. This will help the delicious recipe for meatloaf from drying out and will create a juicy and tender loaf.
Unfortunately, Ritz does not currently have a gluten free version. However, you can use your favorite gluten free cracker to replace the buttery ritz crackers for the cracker crumbs in the meatloaf.
Expert Tips for Making This Comfort Food Recipe
This recipe works because it reminds you of the perfect meatloaf your grandma made as a kid. It will be the best meatloaf you’ll ever have.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Overmixing makes the meatloaf tough. Mix just until combined. No one likes a tougher meatloaf.
- Use Enough Moisture: Ritz crackers can absorb moisture, so ensure enough eggs, milk, or other liquids are added. This helps hold the meatloaf together.
- Season Generously: Beef needs ample seasoning.
- Let It Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after you cook meatloaf to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Use a meat thermometer: This will help you know when the easy meatloaf is done.
- Serve this recipe with: Try my Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese or my Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
More Recipes You Might Like
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup Milk
- ¼ cup Onion
- 1 clove Garlic
- 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 1 ½ pounds Ground beef, I prefer 80/20
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
Glaze
- ¾ cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Dry Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour milk over crushed crackers and let sit for a few minutes.
- Add the onion, garlic and parsley to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- In a large bowl add the beef, cracker mixture, onion mixture, parmesan cheese, eggs and All Purpose Seasoning.
- Mix with your hands until well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet.
- Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir until combined.
- Spread 1/2 of the sauce mixture on the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.
- Remove from oven,cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Use the remaining glaze for dip
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.