Cheesy Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Cheesy Ritz Cracker Meatloaf (Don’t Lose This Recipe!)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)

Glaze (optional but highly recommended)

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   • Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Mix the meatloaf
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, onion, eggs, milk, garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overwork or it can get dense.
3. Shape
   • Form into a loaf and place into your pan (or shape free-form on a baking sheet for better browning).
4. Add glaze (optional)
   • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
   • Spread half over the top before baking.
5. Bake
   • Bake for 50–65 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Finish glaze
   • If using, spread remaining glaze on top during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
7. Rest
   • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together.

Tips

• Ritz crackers keep it extra tender and slightly buttery.
• Cheddar melts into the loaf for pockets of cheesy richness.
• Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day.

If you want, I can also  turn this into a crockpot version or a freezer-meal prep version.