Is there anything quite as satisfying as a delicious meatloaf? This classic dish has been a staple on dinner tables for generations, and for good reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be customized to suit any taste. And for those of us who love a good Ritz cracker (who doesn’t?), there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your meatloaf recipe for an extra special twist.
Homemade Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to jazz up your meatloaf recipe, look no further than Ritz crackers. These buttery, salty little crackers add the perfect crunch and flavor to any meatloaf recipe. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together all of your ingredients until well combined. Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan, and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
If you’re a fan of the comfort food served up at Cracker Barrel, you’ll love this copycat recipe for their famous meatloaf. This recipe uses crushed Ritz crackers in place of bread crumbs for an extra crispy crust, and is smothered in a savory gravy for added flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, oats, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, basil, and thyme until well combined. Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan, and bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the ketchup mixture, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the gravy over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
Whether you’re a fan of classic meatloaf or want to jazz it up with Ritz crackers, there are plenty of ways to make this timeless dish your own. Give one of these recipes a try today!