This meatloaf recipe with crackers is the ultimate comfort food—simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite in no time!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (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
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, egg, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix with your hands until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake uncovered for 1 1/2 hours.
- For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce. Halfway through baking, spread half of the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining sauce for topping or dipping.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
NOTES
- Be sure to place the loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any bubbling over and potential oven messes.
- For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Avoid overmixing the meatloaf ingredients—mix just until combined for the best texture.
- If you’d like a leaner option, try ground turkey or venison in place of beef without compromising flavor.
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to prevent it from falling apart when sliced.
- The apricot preserves in the sauce really elevate the flavor, but grape or cherry jelly also work well as substitutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F internally for safe consumption.
Freezing Tip
- Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before double-wrapping it in a ziplock bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 590
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 139mg
- Sodium: 1093mg
- Potassium: 697mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 382 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 115mg
- Iron: 4mg
