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    Home » Main » Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers

    Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers

    Published: Jan 11, 2021 · Modified: May 26, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    This is the best meatloaf recipe with crackers you’ll ever eat and it is such an easy classic dish. It’ll quickly become a favorite family meal!

    Piece of meatloaf with crackers recipe on a white plate next to green beans.

    Original recipe: February 2018 | Updated: January 2021

    Why This Recipe Works

    Please hear me out. I understand that the word “meatloaf” is a turn-off to some. If this is you, I beg you to set your qualms aside because you have just landed on this blog post detailing the most delicious meatloaf you will ever eat.

    A few years ago I dug up my mother’s handwritten recipe from childhood and used it as my guide. I don’t remember ever eating a recipe as good as hers.

    This recipe is a version of hers (and it is a great recipe!), with an added irresistible sauce. I have received so many comments and emails over the years from people who tell me this famous Pip and Ebby meatloaf has become their favorite go-to recipe.

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    Recipe Ingredients for the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever

    Beef – To avoid an extra greasy meatloaf, use a leaner meat like ground turkey or even venison. Beef meatloaf is incredible, but I promise the flavor is still super amazing no matter which type of meat you use in the recipe.

    Photo compilation: meatloaf ingredients in bowls.

    Crackers – Ritz crackers taste so incredible in this recipe, but feel free to replace equal amounts of crushed saltines, if desired.

    Onion – Chop the onion very finely to avoid an end product that falls apart easily.

    Milk – Any type of milk can be used in this recipe. Almond, skim, 1%, 2% or whole.

    Sauce – The apricot preserves in the sauce MAKES this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand grape or cherry jelly or jam are great replacements.

    How To Make This Recipe For Meatloaf Using Ritz Crackers

    Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 5×9 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, egg, milk, ketchup, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

    Meatloaf ingredients with crackers, ketchup and more, with text labels in a mixing bowl.

    Mix everything together with your hands until it is thoroughly combined.

    Step 2

    Pour the meat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

    Ground beef mixture in a loaf pan.

    Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet (this is important!) so grease does not spill over the edges and into your oven!

    Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours (add the sauce at around the 45 minutes mark!).

    Step 3

    Make the meatloaf sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves and Worcestershire sauce.

    Sauce ingredients with text labels in a mixing bowl.

    Mix well. Spread half of the mixture evenly over the meatloaf halfway through baking.

    Sauce spread over top of dinner in a pan.

    Reserve the remainder of the meatloaf topping for dipping/topping. Let the meatloaf sit for 15 minutes before slicing and serving or it may fall apart on you.

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    What To Serve With This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

    Check out this comprehensive list of side dishes that pair perfectly with meatloaf! You will find 44 options to choose from, ranging from a simple hashbrown casserole to a chopped salad to marinated carrots (and so much more!). Stuffed Sweet Potatoes or a pile of hot mashed potatoes are perfect options, too.

    Other Ways To Prepare This Dish

    • Instant Pot Meatloaf is super quick and easy to make and it is SO delicious. It cooks so much more quickly than an oven-baked meatloaf. 
    • Don’t forget the sauce! This red sauce recipe will transform your next comfort food dinner and quickly turn into a family favorite.
    • Check out this yummy roundup filled with delicious ideas for other beef and pork meatloaf recipes to get on the table tonight!

    Substitute for Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf

    Whether you are looking for a gluten-free replacement or you just don’t have bread crumbs on hand, learn what to substitute for breadcrumbs in this dish!

    Substitute for Apricot Preserves

    Read on for some great ideas about what to substitute for apricot preserves if you need a replacement for this ingredient.

    How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge

    How long does meatloaf last in the fridge? If you have leftovers and you’re not sure whether to throw, refrigerate or freeze, read on!

    What To Do With Meatloaf Leftovers

    • Make meatloaf tacos.
    • Add to a batch of chili, yum!
    • Create leftover meatloaf sandwiches, obviously!
    • Crumble it up and throw into spaghetti sauce to create leftover meatloaf spaghetti.
    • Break into pieces and add it to your next batch of nachos.
    • Build a few meatball subs, substituting meatballs for chunks of meatloaf.

    Comfort Food Recipes

    • Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole boasts flavor and creaminess over a bed of steaming egg noodles. This is a perfect hearty weeknight meal to put on the table.
    • Instant Pot White Turkey Chili is packed with turkey meat, white beans and veggies, this comfort food is super flavorful and delicious.
    • Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delicious combination of the tastiest flavors you will ever eat in a single bite.
    • Best Baked Ziti is packed with flavorful meat sauce and layers of cheesy goodness, you will enjoy each flavorful bite. This delicious dinner feeds a lot of people and is super filling and hearty.
    • Best Instant Pot Chili is the absolute perfect comfort food, packed with flavor, texture, color and a tiny bit of spice. Perfect dinner or party food!
    Fork sticking in to take a bite of meatloaf made with crackers.

    Recipe Notes

    • Be absolutely sure that you place the pan of meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet before you put it in the oven. At times this recipe can bubble over and I really don’t want to be the reason your oven caught on fire.
    • To save yourself from having to clean an extra dish, place parchment paper on top of the baking sheet.
    • Be careful not to over mix! Mix until all ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing can create a different, denser texture.
    • To avoid an extra greasy meatloaf, use a leaner meat like ground turkey or even venison! Beef meatloaf is incredible, but I promise the flavor is still super amazing no matter which type of meat you use in the recipe.
    • Let the meatloaf rest for AT LEAST 15 minutes after it comes out of the oven. If you slice into it too soon, it will fall apart. Heed this important warning!
    • The apricot preserves in the sauce MAKES this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand grape or cherry jelly or jam are great replacements!
    • The most accurate way to determine if any meat is done cooking is by using a Thermapen. (<—-affiliate link) Insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf to get a good reading. For this recipe I recommend achieving a temperature of 160°F.

    FAQ About Meatloaf

    Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

    Letting it sit for at least 15 minutes after pulling it out of the oven is a vital step if you wish to keep your meal intact. The egg and crackers will work their magic and hold the meatloaf together, but it may fall apart if you slice too soon.

    Meatloaf cook time?

    If you are wondering about cooking times for cooking meatloaf all the way through, it takes an entire hour and a half. Make sure to place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet before putting it into the oven!

    What should meatloaf internal temp be?

    To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, stick a meat thermometer into the center. You will want to achieve an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

    What meat is best for meatloaf?

    Meatloaf turns out great when any variety of ground meat is used. Keep in mind that the fattier the meat (beef or sausage), the more grease will hang out in the bottom of the pan. Leaner meats such as ground turkey or even venison still produce a delicious end result!

    Why put crackers in meatloaf?

    The purpose of adding crackers to meatloaf is to help the mixture stick together (along with eggs!). They also add flavor to the final dish. Just be sure not to add too many cracker crumbs or the opposite problem can happen: your meatloaf may fall apart.

    Can I use crackers instead of breadcrumbs for meatloaf?

    You can use equal parts cracker crumbs to replace breadcrumbs in just about any meatloaf recipe. Be sure the cracker crumbs are finely ground or the meatloaf may have issues with falling apart.

    What People Are Saying About This Recipe

    “Been using this recipe for years, we love it so much!! my husband was never a huge fan of meatloaf until I tried this recipe, now he asks for it regularly 🙂 thank you for sharing it, makes me feel like a rock star every time! “ ~Felicia

    “Our whole family absolutely LOVES this meatloaf. I never cared for meatloaf until this recipe. Turns out great every time!! I make it exactly as directed, it is fabulous. We love the sauce so much that I sometimes make just the sauce and serve it with hamburger steak. ? “ ~Patricia

    “This is by far the best meatloaf I’ve ever eaten/made. Everyone that has eaten it has loved it. I once put mine in muffin tins and swirled garlic mashed potatoes on top for a meatloaf cup cake. Soooooo yum!!! “ ~Ashley L.

    Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers

    This is the best meatloaf recipe with crackers you'll find and it is such an easy classic dish. It’ll quickly become a family favorite!
    4.97 from 242 votes
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    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 590kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
    • 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
    • 1 egg beaten
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 1/3 cup onion finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried minced onion)
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

    Sauce

    • 3/4 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    Text Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 5×9 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crackers, egg, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix together with your hands until thoroughly combined.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours.

    Sauce

    • In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Spread half of the mixture evenly over the meatloaf halfway through baking. Reserve the remainder of the sauce for dipping/topping. Let meatloaf sit for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

    Video

    Notes

    • Be absolutely sure that you place the pan of meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet before you put it in the oven. At times this recipe can bubble over and I really don’t want to be the reason your oven caught on fire.
    • To save yourself from having to clean an extra dish, place parchment paper on top of the baking sheet.
    • Be careful not to over mix! Mix until all ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing can create a different, denser texture.
    • To avoid an extra greasy meatloaf, use a leaner meat like ground turkey or even venison! Beef meatloaf is incredible, but I promise the flavor is still super amazing no matter which type of meat you use in the recipe.
    • Let the meatloaf rest for AT LEAST 15 minutes after it comes out of the oven. If you slice into it too soon, it will fall apart. Heed this important warning!
    • The apricot preserves in the sauce MAKES this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand grape or cherry jelly or jam are great replacements!
    • The most accurate way to determine if the ground beef is done cooking is by using a Thermapen. (<—-affiliate link) Insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf to get a good reading. You will want to reach 160°F. 
    • You can freeze your loaf. If you are cooking it, allow it to cool completely. Then double pack it in a ziplock or air tight container and it can be enjoyed within 2-3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 590kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 697mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Courtney

      June 19, 2023 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      Our favorite meatloaf recipe!! We have eaten this dozens of times! How many oz would you consider to be a serving?

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 19, 2023 at 10:19 pm

        Hi Courtney, this dish is made with 2 lbs of ground beef and it serves 6 people so roughly it would be 5 oz. It would depend on the child or adult you are portioning the meat for. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    2. T. Bailey

      June 09, 2023 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      We’ve tried several meatloaf recipes and this is the favorite. My youngest requests meatloaf because of this recipe. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 10, 2023 at 9:12 pm

        Love to hear that! Thanks for sharing, T!

        Reply
        • April

          June 14, 2023 at 7:14 pm

          5 stars
          I have been a meatloaf hater all of my life. It is however my husband’s all-time favorite dish. This recipe has changed my point of view; it is absolutely delicious 😋. It has also become my husband’s favorite, and he said it has ruined any other meatloaf for him 🤣. Great recipe, thanks for sharing!

          Reply
    3. Kelly

      May 27, 2023 at 6:03 pm

      Curious if you used a ceramic/glass dish or metal baking pan to cook this? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 30, 2023 at 4:23 pm

        I’ve made it in muffin tins and a glass loaf pan, and turns out great. You should be just fine!

        Reply
        • Meghan

          October 11, 2023 at 5:36 pm

          5 stars
          This is the absolute best meatloaf recipe!! The sauce truly makes the meatloaf!! How long do you cook if using a standard muffin tin, and do you still put the sauce on halfway through if using the muffin tin? Thanks in advance!

          Reply
          • Megan Porta

            October 11, 2023 at 11:29 pm

            Hi Meghan, I would start checking them to be done at 20-25 minutes. Add the sauce in the last five-ish minutes before its done.

            Reply
    4. Nic

      May 18, 2023 at 7:09 am

      The only meatloaf recipe I use. Juicy, tender, flavorful!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 18, 2023 at 7:47 pm

        So glad to hear it, Nic. Definitely a family favorite!

        Reply
    5. Heather

      May 14, 2023 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      My meatloaf always has lots of grease in the bottom of the pan. Do I need to drain this out? Thank you for a delicious recipe! It’s my family’s favorite!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 15, 2023 at 7:53 pm

        Great question! If you are using a low fat meat for this recipe, a 90/10 or so, you should be able to reduce that but I know from grocery store to grocery store it varies as well as if you buy from a farmer. I think it’s wise to dump it when it seems excessive. I like to use a can from the recycling bin to add it to.

        Reply
    6. Kelly

      May 10, 2023 at 1:57 am

      Preparing this favorite for my grandpa divided into two smaller loaf pans. Any suggestions for cook time? Have you ever prepped ahead and put it in the freezer for baking at a later date?

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 10, 2023 at 9:41 am

        Hi Kelly, great question! To answer your questions, I think you would cook it about 40-45 minutes. Start checking the meatloaf at 40 min. And yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before freezing. Simply be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap to seal the air out and avoid freezer burn. Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Alliah

      May 09, 2023 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      have been making this for about 3 years now. its a family favorite in our household. I share it with every
      one!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 09, 2023 at 8:03 am

        That’s great to hear. Thank you, Alliah!

        Reply
    8. Ann Hendershot

      March 05, 2023 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      this is the best meatloaf recipe I have ever found by far. I actually poured all of the topping on and baked it and it was delicious

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        March 06, 2023 at 11:58 am

        Love that you just went with it, Amy! So glad it was enjoyed. Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
        • Shawn

          March 06, 2023 at 6:47 pm

          Just made it my first time, gotta about 50 minutes left. I’ll let y’all know

          Reply
          • Megan Porta

            March 08, 2023 at 5:40 pm

            Please do! Thanks for trying it out!

            Reply
    9. Ruth Ann

      February 11, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, for years (I’m 82) I’ve used the old standby Lipton onion soup recipe for my 3 boys and hubby.
      I’m a convert to this one. It indicates 6 servings, we got more slices than that.
      I was interrupted after it was thru baking, it sat in the pan about an hour. This allowed it to absorb the meat juices back but left the fat behind which was great.
      I used vegetable flavored Ritz and was out of onions so I used dehydrated. I didn’t have apricot jam but subbed orange marmalade. Yum.
      I think because it sat for the length of time it did, it helped hold it together. The slices for sandwiches later in the week were just great.
      Hubby gives this 5 stars. Meat loaf and mashed potatoes are one of his favorite meals.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        February 14, 2023 at 1:12 pm

        That’s great to hear, Ruth Ann! It’s hard to wait to dive into this meal when its smelling so good, but there is value in letting the meat sit, the juices stay in the meat longer and keep it from drying out. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    10. Rakel

      February 05, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      this is my go to recipe for meatloaf. it’s so good. we all love it

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        February 05, 2023 at 10:50 pm

        That’s great to hear, Rakel. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    11. Suzanne

      February 02, 2023 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      WOW! So good!! I didn’t have milk so I skipped it, also used grape jelly vs apricot. Yummm

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        February 02, 2023 at 10:56 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing, Suzanne!

        Reply
    12. Cynthia

      January 24, 2023 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      Best ever! My meatloaf recipe for life!

      I just wish the ingredients for the meatloaf and sauce were more clearly delineated in the ingredients list. I just put 1/4 cup brown sugar and worchestshire sauce in the meatloaf. Oops!

      I break mine into 2 loaves in a baking pan and reduce baking time. it’s easier for me to handle and store.

      Am also trying diced roasted red peppers this time. We’ll see how it tastes.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 25, 2023 at 12:24 pm

        Thanks for the feedback, Cynthia! I like the roasted red peppers idea.

        Reply
    13. Christy

      January 10, 2023 at 2:15 am

      5 stars
      The whole family enjoyed this one. We plan to make extra sauce next time and perhaps serve it on Texas toast – open-faced sandwich style. Excellent!!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 11, 2023 at 11:56 am

        Ooh, I love that idea, Christy! Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
    14. Denise

      January 06, 2023 at 7:08 pm

      This meatloaf was so good. I just made it for dinner. I have a gluten allergy so I used gluten free panko instead of the Ritz. I was out of Worcestershire so I subbed soy sauce. The topping with the apricot preserves was yummy. Hubby liked it as well. One of the best meatloaf recipes since my Mom’s. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 07, 2023 at 4:29 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Denise. Thank you for sharing your subs and how you tweaked it for your needs.

        Reply
    15. Marilyn

      January 05, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      I followed the recipe except for the jelly, cut it in half because there are only two of us. I cooked it in our air fryer and checked temp every 10 minutes. Hubby pronounced it the best ever!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 07, 2023 at 4:29 pm

        So glad to hear it, Marilyn! Love that you used your air fryer.

        Reply
    16. Toni

      December 18, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      What is a ‘prepared ‘ pan?
      What should the internal temp be?

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        December 19, 2022 at 11:09 am

        Great questions – they are outlined both in the post and the recipe card itself. I like to use a 5×9 loaf pan and coat it with cooking spray. Ground beef can be served at a variety of doneness but I recommend 160°F.

        Reply
    17. Debbie Musselli

      November 10, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite meatloaf recipe of all time. USUALLY go strictly by the recipe except for the apricots. Sometimes I have cherry or jalapeño or whatever goes well with breakfast, it’ll go great with this dish too.
      You can play with it by adding a little something different and it is still delicious. We have been making this meatloaf for several years now. The BEST!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        November 11, 2022 at 3:48 pm

        Thank you for sharing that, Debbie! Glad it’s enjoyed!

        Reply
    18. Melina

      November 08, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night for a family gathering of 10. I doubled the recipe. I can cook and bake but I have never been good at meatloaf. I followed this to a tee except for the marmalade. I used pepper jelly instead and added a T of brown sugar to the topping too. It was like the best meatloaf ever and the 9×13 dish was wiped clean! Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        November 09, 2022 at 11:39 am

        I love that, Melina! So glad it was enjoyed. Thank you for sharing your tip on the pepper jelly!

        Reply
    19. Michelle

      November 05, 2022 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      My favorite meatloaf recipe! It always turns out soooo good

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        November 07, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        Yes, so glad to hear that Michelle. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    20. KelS

      November 01, 2022 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      clearly I can’t read recipes, I added all the Ingredients together lol including the sauce Ingredients!! we’ll see how it turns out 😂

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        November 02, 2022 at 11:13 pm

        oh! we’ve all had those moments. I think it’ll still turn out delicious!

        Reply
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