Best Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Coming up with a satisfying dinner that pleases both kids and adults can feel like an impossible task, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re juggling homework help, after-school activities, and trying to get food on the table before everyone gets hangry. After all, finding that sweet spot between comfort food and something you can actually pull together on a weeknight isn’t always easy.

That’s where this Ritz cracker meatloaf comes to the rescue: it’s comforting and crowd-pleasing, uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have, and takes minimal prep work to get into the oven. Plus, those buttery crackers add a flavor that takes me right back to my childhood dinners.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For a juicy, flavorful meatloaf, you’ll want to choose ground beef with some fat content – an 80/20 blend (meaning 80% lean meat to 20% fat) is ideal. While you could use extra-lean ground beef, it tends to make a drier meatloaf that’s not as satisfying. If you’re feeling fancy, try using a meatloaf blend, which typically combines ground beef, pork, and veal for extra flavor and moisture. Just avoid using ground beef that’s too lean, as the fat helps keep your meatloaf tender and adds flavor during cooking. For the best results, bring your meat to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Options for Substitutions

This meatloaf recipe is pretty adaptable and here’s what you can swap if needed:

• Ritz crackers: Out of Ritz? No worries! You can use plain breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers, or even quick oats in the same amount. Just keep in mind that Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of melted butter if using alternatives.
• Ground beef: While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can use ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef. If using turkey, add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor since turkey is leaner.
• Onion soup mix: If you don’t have the soup mix, you can use 1/4 cup finely minced fresh onion plus 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder or 1 crushed beef bouillon cube.
• Full-fat milk: Feel free to use any milk you have on hand, or even beef broth works as a substitute. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened plain almond milk is fine too.
• Ketchup: You can swap ketchup with tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with a tiny bit of honey or brown sugar to get that sweet-tangy taste.
• Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or coconut aminos can work in place of Worcestershire sauce – just use the same amount.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making meatloaf is overmixing the ingredients, which can lead to a dense, tough texture – instead, gently combine the ingredients just until they’re evenly distributed. Another common error is using lean ground beef, as the fat content is crucial for keeping your meatloaf moist and flavorful, so stick with 80/20 ground beef or a meatloaf blend. To ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy bottom, avoid pressing the meat mixture too tightly into the pan, and consider placing a few slices of bread underneath to absorb excess grease. For the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, as relying solely on cooking time can result in an overcooked or undercooked meatloaf.

What to Serve With Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is one of those cozy dinner classics that pairs perfectly with traditional comfort food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are my go-to choice – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra juices from the meatloaf. For vegetables, simple roasted green beans or carrots add nice color to the plate, while steamed broccoli with a pat of butter works great too. If you want to keep things super simple, you can’t go wrong with a basic garden salad and some dinner rolls to round out the meal.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Once your Ritz cracker meatloaf has cooled down, wrap it well in plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. I actually think it tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to mingle!

Freeze: This meatloaf is perfect for freezing! You can freeze it whole or slice it up first – just wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. Pro tip: slice before freezing makes it super easy to grab individual portions when needed.

Reheat: To warm up your leftover meatloaf, cover it with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, though the texture might not be quite as nice as oven reheating.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	40-45 minutes
Total Time	55-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 90-110 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard (use Dijon for a more complex flavor)
• 1 pouch Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 lb ground beef (use 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
• 1 beaten egg (helps bind the meatloaf together)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers (provides a savory, buttery binder)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup whole milk (adds moisture and tenderness)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This will ensure that it reaches the correct temperature as you prepare the meatloaf mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Seasonings

In a large bowl, combine the soup mix, one egg, crushed crackers, and milk.

Mix these ingredients together thoroughly, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.

This resting period allows the milk to absorb into the crackers, forming a cohesive base for the meatloaf.

After 5 minutes, stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.

Step 3: Combine with Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the bowl with the prepared mixture.

Gently mix everything together until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough, so use a light hand during this step.

Step 4: Form the Meatloaf

Spray a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Add the meatloaf mixture to the pan, gently spreading it out evenly without packing it down.

Packing the meat too firmly can affect the texture, so make sure it’s loosely shaped in the pan.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Place the prepared loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest in the pan for about 5 minutes.

This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Step 6: Serve the Meatloaf

Carefully turn the meatloaf out of the loaf pan onto a cutting board.

Slice the meatloaf to your desired thickness and serve it warm.

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatloaf with your favorite sides!