Classic Ritz-Crusted Meatloaf Recipe for Tender, Savory Results

This classic meatloaf with Ritz crackers is seasoned simply and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze made from ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.

The flavor is built with sweet onion, garlic, ketchup, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that kids can help assemble.

Serve this homestyle meatloaf with mashed potatoes, a green salad, steamed green beans, or your favorite macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

This is a traditional meatloaf recipe similar in style to classic diner or homestyle meatloaves.

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef (85–90% lean) for good flavor and balanced fat.
• Ritz crackers: Crushed Ritz act as the binder and add buttery flavor; you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
• Sweet onion: Finely diced; yellow onion works as well.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic paste.
• Eggs: Help bind the meatloaf.
• Milk: Adds moisture—whole milk is recommended.
• Ketchup: Used both inside the mixture and for the glaze.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and savory tang.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, milk, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly combined without overworking the meat.

Firmly press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, filling corners and smoothing the top. Bake for 40 minutes.

While the loaf bakes, whisk together the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper.

When the first bake is complete, spread the glaze evenly over the top and return the meatloaf to the oven for 15–20 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so it holds its juices and slices cleanly.

📖 Recipe

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

A classic meatloaf made with crushed Ritz crackers and topped with a sweet ketchup glaze.

Recipe by: Kelsey Smith

Prep time: 12 minutes

Cook time: 55 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Meatloaf ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crumbled
• 1 sweet onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ⅓ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Glaze ingredients

• ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190ºC) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment. In a large bowl, mix all meatloaf ingredients until combined.
2. Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes.
3. Whisk the glaze ingredients together. Spread the glaze over the meatloaf after the first bake and bake 15–20 more minutes, until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C).
4. Let the meatloaf rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use 85–90% lean ground beef or a blend with ground sirloin for the best texture and flavor.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 278 kcalCarbohydrates: 21 gProtein: 27 gFat: 9 g

Food safety

Follow these basic safety tips when handling and cooking ground meat:

• Cook ground beef to at least 160°F (71°C).
• Avoid using the same utensils or plates for cooked food that touched raw meat.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Do not leave perishable food at room temperature for extended periods.