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Meatloaf with Crackers

This meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with crushed Ritz crackers for a flavorful and moist dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
  • 1 piece egg (beaten)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 Tbsp dried minced onion)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, beaten egg, milk, ½ cup ketchup, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
  2. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake uncovered for 1½ hours.
Glazing
  1. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread over the baked meatloaf and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
  2. Let rest before slicing, then serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like parsley or thyme. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mixture. Make sure not to overmix the ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatloaf (cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months.