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Meatloaf with Crackers

Meatloaf with crackers is a classic, cracker-bound loaf with a moist, tender crumb and a sticky ketchup glaze that caramelizes on top. This easy meatloaf recipe bakes until the center hits 160°F, then rests 10 minutes for clean slicing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
rest 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz or saltine crackers
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 salt to taste
  • 0.1 black pepper to taste
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Prep and soak the crackers
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 loaf pan.
  2. Mix the crushed crackers with the whole milk and let sit for 3 minutes to absorb.
Mix and shape the meatloaf
  1. Combine the ground beef with the soaked crackers, eggs, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Press the mixture into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
Add glaze and bake
  1. Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard, then spread half over the meatloaf.
  2. Bake for 55–65 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, spreading the remaining glaze after 40 minutes.
Rest and slice
  1. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices set.

Notes

Pro tip: press the meatloaf firmly into the pan and smooth the top for even browning of the glaze. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze slices for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). For a lighter option, use 93% lean ground beef and keep the glaze the same to maintain that caramelized top.