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Easy Meatloaf Recipe With Saltine Crackers

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Make the best meatloaf recipe with crackers! This Cracker Barrel copycat is easy, comforting, and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf Base
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef, 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 ¼ cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup half and half, or whole milk
  • 2 extra large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
For the Ketchup Glaze
  • ¾ cup ketchup, We used Heinz brand
  • 2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard, We used Heinz brand
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, We used Heinz brand

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, onion, half and half, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the meat and seasonings with a large spoon or gloved hands until well incorporated.
  4. Place the meat mixture on the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 10-by-6-inch rectangle. Bake for 30 minutes and prepare the glaze while it cooks.
  5. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
  6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes, spread the glaze over the top, and bake for another 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Slice into ten 1/2-inch pieces with a sharp knife and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 764mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9g

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese and freshly chopped vegetables will give the best flavor and texture. Pre-packaged shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that might affect the texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix the meatloaf ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
  • Handling the Meat: When mixing the meat mixture, try not to compress it too much. Light handling will help keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Visual Cues: Look for visual cues such as a browned, slightly caramelized glaze on top and clear, not pink, juices running from the meatloaf to judge doneness. Overcooking can lead to a dry meatloaf.
  • Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and easier to slice.
  • Glaze Burns: If the glaze begins to burn or gets too dark, tent a piece of foil overtop (you don’t have to tuck it tightly around the meatloaf).