Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Works So Well
- Family Favorite Comfort Food
- Perfect for Dinner Recipes and Meal Planning
- Tips to Elevate This Meatloaf Even More
- Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Suggestions
- Recipe & Instructions
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf recipe is the definition of easy recipes. It’s made with just a few pantry staples, comes together quickly, and bakes up into a tender, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re planning dinner recipes for a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting classic to please the whole family, this recipe delivers. It also pairs beautifully with cheesey potatoes or butter swim biscuits, making it a go-to for effortless family dinners.
Why This Easy Recipe Works So Well
When you’re short on time and ideas, easy recipes like this meatloaf save the day. The crushed Ritz crackers add the perfect buttery texture, while cheddar cheese brings richness and moisture. It’s one of those food receipt easy recipes that feels elevated, yet couldn’t be simpler to prepare. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and the results are consistently impressive.
Family Favorite Comfort Food
This dish has earned a permanent spot in my personal recipe book because it’s comfort food at its finest. It hits all the right notes—warm, cheesy, savory—and it reminds you of the kind of meal that brings everyone together. Recipes for dinner like this are what make weekday meals memorable. Even the pickiest eaters in your family will love it!
Perfect for Dinner Recipes and Meal Planning
One of the best parts about easy recipes like this is how well they lend themselves to meal prep. This meatloaf can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked off right before dinner. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a smart choice for those looking to stretch meals across the week or simplify busy evenings.
Tips to Elevate This Meatloaf Even More
While this meatloaf is fantastic as-is, there are a few tweaks that can take it to the next level. Try swapping the ketchup glaze with a BBQ glaze for smoky depth, or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. Pair it with a side of chicken stirfry easy recipe-style veggies for a balanced plate. Looking to impress? Serve it with butter swim biscuits for a full comfort meal experience.
Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Suggestions
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. This recipe also freezes well—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes that keeps on giving.
Recipe & Instructions
See full recipe with ingredients and instructions at Betty Cooks.
Notes & Tips
Use lean ground beef for a cleaner slice. For added moisture, consider adding a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mix. And don’t forget—this meatloaf is a hit alongside cheesey potatoes easy recipe dishes or a veggie-forward side like green beans or carrots. For more easy recipes, visit Betty Cooks.
Easy Recipes: Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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