Savory Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic Ritz cracker beef meatloaf that brings nostalgic flavors to your dinner table.

Every home cook knows the magic of a hearty meatloaf that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Crushed Ritz crackers blend seamlessly with ground beef, creating a texture that’s both tender and deliciously crisp.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its rich, satisfying taste that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

Families have cherished this dish for generations, passing down its savory secrets from one kitchen to another.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of meat, seasonings, and that signature cracker crunch.

Gather around the table and savor a meatloaf that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Comfort and Crunch

• Ritz crackers add a delightful texture and crispy element to the classic meatloaf, making each bite more exciting and satisfying.
• This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses common pantry ingredients, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• The combination of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings creates a crowd-pleasing taste that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this hearty dish.
• With just one bowl and a simple mixing technique, this meatloaf recipe is beginner-friendly and allows for easy cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the meatloaf.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the meatloaf.

• Ritz Crackers, Dry Onion Soup Mix: Create a crispy texture and add depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender meatloaf texture.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide a complex and savory flavor profile that complements the beef.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan and ensures easy removal.

Tools for Perfect Ritz Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
• Loaf pan: Perfect for shaping and baking the meatloaf evenly.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of meatloaf.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Whisk or fork: Great for beating the egg and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the meatloaf after baking.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for any prep work.

How to Prepare Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), getting it ready for some meatloaf magic.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Dry onion soup mix
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Beaten egg
• Whole milk

Let these ingredients mingle and get acquainted for a few minutes.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Mustard
• Ketchup

Mix until everything is beautifully combined and singing together.

Step 4: Introduce the Beef

Gently fold in the ground beef, treating it with a light touch.

Avoid overworking the mixture – we want a tender, juicy meatloaf, not a tough brick.

Step 5: Pan Preparation

Spritz a loaf pan with cooking spray.

Transfer the beef mixture into the pan, giving it a gentle press to shape it without squishing out all the moisture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a completely cooked interior with zero pink remaining.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to take a quick 5-minute breather before slicing.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is mouthwateringly delicious.

Tips for Juicy Beef Meatloaf with Ritz

• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine, even Ritz cracker crumbs for a consistent texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before adding beef to allow crackers and liquids to blend, enhancing moisture and flavor.
• Fold ground beef into the mixture gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; aim for 160°F to ensure fully cooked meat without becoming dry or overcooked.
• Spread additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra flavor and moisture.

Meatloaf Variations with Ritz Crackers

• Gluten-Free Cracker Alternative: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils to create a meatless version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium onion soup mix and reduce added salt, replacing regular ketchup with a no-salt-added tomato sauce for heart-conscious individuals.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano to give the meatloaf a Greek-inspired flavor profile while maintaining the core cooking method.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that warms the soul.
• Veggie Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans to add color and nutrition.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra slices into delicious sandwiches the next day, using soft bread and a touch of extra ketchup or mustard for added flavor.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to brighten the dish and add a pop of fresh herbaceous notes.

Best Storage for Beef Meatloaf with Ritz

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why use Ritz crackers in meatloaf?

Ritz crackers act as a perfect binder and add a delicious buttery, crispy texture to the meatloaf that regular breadcrumbs can’t achieve. They help keep the meatloaf moist and tender while providing a subtle, rich flavor.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist, as leaner meats might result in a drier final dish.

• Is the dry onion soup mix necessary?

The dry onion soup mix adds deep, savory flavor and helps season the meatloaf throughout.

Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Ritz cracker beef meatloaf blends hearty ground beef with crushed crackers for a comforting meal. Crispy edges and juicy interior make you crave another slice of this home-style favorite that satisfies completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients and Binders:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, crumble Ritz crackers and blend with dry onion soup mix, creating a textured base for the meatloaf.
3. Whisk the beaten egg and whole milk into the cracker mixture, allowing ingredients to meld and soften for several minutes.
4. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard, salt, pepper, and ketchup, stirring until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Gently fold ground beef into the seasoned mixture, using a light touch to prevent compressing the meat and maintaining a tender texture.
6. Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray, then transfer the meat mixture, carefully shaping it without pressing too firmly.
7. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, ensuring the center is completely cooked with no pink remaining.
8. Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and making slicing easier.
9. Slice and serve the meatloaf, revealing a flavorful, moist interior perfect for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Cracker Swap: Experiment with different crackers like saltines or graham crackers for unique flavor variations and textures that can add unexpected depth to your meatloaf.
• Moisture Magic: The milk and egg help keep the meatloaf incredibly tender and prevent it from becoming dry, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result every time.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free crackers and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg