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Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is a delicious ground beef meatloaf loaded with crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, onions, green bell peppers and cheddar cheese.

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Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish the whole family will love.

This tender meatloaf with ritz crackers and cheddar cheese is full of flavour and topped with a delicious glaze.

This meatloaf recipe takes just over an hour from start to finish and serves six people.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this meatloaf, I started by pouring some ketchup into a small mixing bowl.

I added Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, onion powder and brown sugar to the bowl.

I stirred all of the ingredients together well and set the bowl aside.

I dropped two pounds of lean ground beef into a large mixing bowl.

I added some eggs, finely diced onions and green peppers to the bowl.

I also added some milk and onion soup mix to the bowl.

I placed a sleeve of Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag.

I used a rolling pin to crush the crackers.

I added the cracker crumbs to the mixing bowl.

I added 1/3 cup of the prepared ketchup sauce mixture to the bowl.

I used my hands to combine all of the ingredients well.

I added some shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.

I used my hands to incorporate the shredded cheese into the meat mixture.

I lined a 9 x 5 loaf pan with aluminum foil and sprayed it well with cooking spray.

I pressed the meat mixture into the foil lined loaf pan.

I spread the remaining ketchup mixture over the top.

I placed the meatloaf in the oven and baked it for fifty minutes.

After fifty minutes I removed the loaf pan from the oven.

I sprinkled some shredded cheddar cheese on top.

I crumbled some Ritz crackers and sprinkled the pieces over the meatloaf.

I returned the loaf pan to the oven and continued baking the meatloaf until the cheese was fully melted.

I removed the pan from the oven and allowed the meatloaf to rest in the pan for ten minutes.

Then I used the aluminum foil to gently lift the meatloaf from the pan.

Then the meatloaf was ready to slice and serve.

I served my meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

This hearty meatloaf is loaded with cheddar cheese, diced onions and green bell peppers.

The ketchup glaze adds a delightful sweet and tanginess to the dish.

Crushed ritz crackers provide a tasty buttery and saltiness to the meatloaf.

If you are looking for a simple and delicious ground beef meatloaf recipe, then you need to try this Ritz Cracker Meatloaf!

More Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Ritz Cracker Meatloaf:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire
• 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 oz onion soup mix
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 5 Ritz crackers, crumbled

How to Make Ritz Cracker Meatloaf:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Pour the ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, onion powder and brown sugar into a small mixing bowl.
3. Stir well and set the bowl aside.
4. Dump the ground beef, eggs, diced onions, diced green peppers, milk and onion soup mix into a large mixing bowl.
5. Place the Ritz crackers into a large Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Pour the crumbs into the mixing bowl.
6. Add 1/3 cup of the prepared ketchup mixture to the bowl with the meatloaf ingredients.
7. Use your hands to combine all of the ingredients well.
8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Use your hands to incorporate the cheese into the meatloaf mixture.
9. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with aluminum foil and spray it well with cooking spray.
10. Press the meat mixture into the loaf pan.
11. Spread the remaining ketchup mixture over the meatloaf.
12. Place the pan in the oven and bake the meatloaf for 50 minutes.
13. After 50 minutes remove the meatloaf from the oven.
14. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled Ritz crackers on top.
15. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue cooking until the cheese on top is fully melted and the meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of at least 160F. 5 – 10 minutes.
16. Remove the dish from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
17. Then use the foil to carefully lift the meatloaf from the pan.
18. Slice, serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

How should I store Ritz cracker meatloaf?

To store Ritz cracker meatloaf properly, follow these steps:

1. Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. This will help retain its texture and prevent condensation inside the storage container.
2. Cut the meatloaf into slices or portions that are suitable for individual servings or your desired portion size. This will make it easier to reheat and serve later.
3. Wrap each slice or portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure it is well sealed to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can lead to freezer burn or spoilage.
4. Place the wrapped meatloaf slices or portions in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. If you plan to consume the meatloaf within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and food safety.
6. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the wrapped meatloaf. It will typically remain good for 2-3 months in the freezer, but for the best quality, try to consume it within 1-2 months.
7. When you’re ready to enjoy the meatloaf, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

By following these storage guidelines, you can preserve the texture and flavor of your Ritz cracker meatloaf for later enjoyment.

What should I serve with Ritz cracker meatloaf?

Ritz cracker meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to meatloaf. They provide a comforting and satisfying contrast to the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. It’s a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the meatloaf.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a fresh and crisp element to the meal. You can season them with a little butter, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
4. Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread can be a tasty addition to your Ritz cracker meatloaf. The garlic-infused bread provides a wonderful aroma and adds a different texture to the meal.
5. Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing and light balance to the hearty meatloaf.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: For a comforting and indulgent side dish, serve Ritz cracker meatloaf with creamy macaroni and cheese. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit.
7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob can be a delicious side dish. It adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the meal.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Remember, the goal is to create a balanced and satisfying meal that complements the flavors of the Ritz cracker meatloaf.

What substitutions could I make?

If you’re looking to make substitutions in your ritz cracker meatloaf recipe, here are a few ideas:

1. Ritz Cracker Substitutions:
   • Replace the Ritz crackers with an equal amount of crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs. They will provide a similar texture and help bind the meatloaf.
   • Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can also be used as a substitute for Ritz crackers. They will add a crispy texture to the meatloaf.
2. Meat Substitutions:
   • Ground turkey or chicken: If you prefer a lighter meat option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that leaner meats may result in a slightly different texture and flavor.
3. Flavor Enhancements:
   • Herbs and spices: Customize the flavor of your meatloaf by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Options like thyme, rosemary, paprika, or chili powder can add a unique twist.
4. Binders and Moisture:
   • Eggs: If you have an egg allergy or prefer not to use eggs, you can try substituting them with alternatives like flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed banana. These options will help bind the ingredients together.
   • Milk or non-dairy substitutes: You can use non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly when making substitutions. It’s also a good idea to experiment and taste as you go to ensure the desired flavors and textures are achieved.

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