Name: Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf With A Cubed Beef Recipes Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

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We all have that one meal that takes us right back to childhood. For me, it’s meatloaf. Not the dry, sad brick kind—no, I’m talking about the kind that’s tender, flavorful, and wrapped in a warm hug of nostalgia. This Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf checks every box, and then some. It’s one of those cubed beef recipes that actually makes dinnertime feel like less of a chore and more of a comforting reset. Now, I know the idea of cubed beef in meatloaf might sound a bit unconventional. Trust me, that’s exactly what makes it sing. It adds bite, texture, and a richness that ground beef alone can’t quite deliver. The crushed Ritz crackers don’t just hold it all together—they sneak in buttery goodness with every forkful. This recipe beef lovers dream about comes together quickly and tastes like you spent hours on it. Whether you’re hunting for a weeknight recipe dinner beef option or need a solid go-to recipe for beef that your whole family will eat without side-eyeing their plate, this one fits the bill. It’s simple, filling, and one of those recipes dinners beef fans return to again and again. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite recipes for beef because it brings joy without breaking the bank—or your spirit after a long day.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf
4) How to Make Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf
5) Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf
6) Making Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch that keeps the meatloaf moist.
This dish is easy enough for weeknights but comforting enough for Sunday dinner.
The recipe uses simple pantry staples and takes about 10 minutes to prep.
Perfect way to upgrade your list of cubed beef recipes with a fun twist.

2) Easy Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf isn’t trying to win a beauty contest, but it might just win your heart. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it makes cubed beef recipes shine in a way that feels familiar and a little nostalgic. We’re not doing anything fancy here, just real food that fills your kitchen with the kind of smell that makes people peek around the corner and say, “What’s cooking?”

I’ve played with this recipe over the years and always come back to this version. The buttery crunch of Ritz crackers? Genius. The mix of eggs, milk, and ketchup binds everything together without drying it out. Even better, it comes together with ingredients you probably already have sitting around. That’s a win in my book.

This meal has held its own during hectic weekdays and lazy Sundays. It’s one of those recipes dinners beef fans keep in their back pockets for when life calls for a little extra comfort. This cubed beef recipe checks that box without demanding too much in return.

3) Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf

Ground Beef: You’ll want two pounds of good quality ground beef. Not too lean—an 80/20 mix keeps things juicy and flavorful.

Ritz Crackers: One and a half sleeves, crushed. These little buttery rounds are the not-so-secret trick for a moist, flavorful loaf that slices clean but still melts in your mouth.

Onion: Finely chopped, about half a cup. Adds a touch of bite and sweetness after baking.

Milk: Half a cup helps soak the crackers and makes the loaf tender without being soggy.

Eggs: Two large ones to help bind everything together. No one wants a crumbly meatloaf.

Salt and Pepper: Half a teaspoon each. Just enough to balance the beef and make the other flavors pop.

Garlic Powder: A half teaspoon here gives the meat a soft savory background without overpowering the rest.

Ketchup: Half a cup inside the meatloaf plus extra for a glaze. Adds sweetness and a bit of tang.

4) How to Make Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Nothing fancy—just make sure it won’t stick.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, milk, eggs, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ketchup. I like to use my hands for this part. Feels old-school and somehow more satisfying.

Step 3: Don’t overmix. Just enough to get it all combined without turning it into paste. That’s key for a tender result.

Step 4: Press the meat mixture into the loaf pan and smooth out the top. Use the back of a spoon or your hand to shape it.

Step 5: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top. It bakes into a shiny, flavorful crust that’s hard to beat.

Step 6: Bake for about 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F in the center. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Serve warm and pair it with your favorite sides. We usually go with mashed potatoes or roasted carrots.

5) Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf

Use room temperature eggs and milk so they blend easier with the meat and seasonings. Cold ingredients can make the loaf tough and harder to mix evenly.

If you want a deeper flavor, sauté the onions before adding them in. That softens their bite and brings out the sweetness without losing texture.

Letting the loaf rest is key. If you cut it too soon, the juices run out and leave you with dry slices. That 10-minute pause makes a real difference.

6) Making Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Ahead of Time

You can prep this whole thing a day in advance and refrigerate it raw. Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes in cold.

I’ve also baked it the night before, let it cool completely, and then sliced it for sandwiches the next day. Honestly, cold meatloaf with mustard on toast hits the spot more often than I care to admit.

This recipe fits easily into a busy weeknight plan. It holds its shape, slices beautifully, and still feels like a home-cooked meal worth looking forward to.

7) Storing Leftover Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or wrapped in foil in a low oven until warm.

You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in parchment and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They thaw quickly and make a great no-fuss lunch.

One of my favorite ways to reuse this dish is to crumble a slice into a skillet and cook it into scrambled eggs. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Ritz Cracker Beef Meatloaf Recipe