Cheesy Ritz Meatloaf

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Stir in the milk and crushed Ritz crackers until combined.
3. Add the chopped onion, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Gently fold in the ground beef until fully incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes uncovered.
6. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
7. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour half of the glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Remove the loaf again, spread the remaining glaze evenly on top, and bake for a final 5–10 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and moisture.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
• For a spicier glaze, add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the ketchup mixture.

Serving Suggestions