Cheese and Cracker Meat Loaf
Take your classic comfort food to the next level with this Cheese and Cracker Meat Loaf, a flavor-packed twist on a traditional favorite. This hearty recipe combines savory ground beef with the crunch of crushed crackers, the creaminess of melted cheddar cheese, and a medley of seasonings like garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for an irresistible flavor profile. The star of this dish is the tangy glaze, made from a sweet and savory mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, brushed over the top for a caramelized finish. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and baked to perfection in an hour, this meatloaf is the ultimate weeknight dinner for busy families. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and you have a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a household staple. Perfect for searches like "easy family meatloaf recipe," "comfort food meatloaf with cheese," or "best meatloaf with a twist."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup crackers (e.g., saltines or butter crackers)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup ketchup (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down to form an even loaf shape.
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the topping glaze.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
627 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.6 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 160 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 1178 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 29.6 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 375 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
