“MA! The MEATLOAF!” (I had to do it…) If you don’t get the reference, that’s probably a good thing! When the word meatloaf comes to mind, I don’t know if you cringe or you are pumped. But, I am about to teach you how to make everyone’s mouth water when they hear that word.
This recipe I’m going to share with you has a few secret ingredients that take the traditional meatloaf up a notch. So, if you’re looking for a good weeknight, easy dinner- keep reading!
Meatloaf Prep
The ingredients that set this recipe apart are Ritz crackers, an onion soup packet, and Worcestershire sauce. So make sure you have those on hand! First, you’ll want to chop a green bell pepper and yellow onion. You can use any color bell pepper, but typically, I use green. Next, sauté them in some olive oil over medium heat until they are softened. Then, set them aside to cool.
If you are having the kids help you, this next part is always fun for them- SMASH a sleeve of Ritz crackers. You’ll want them to be small enough to not chomp on a half of a cracker while eating your meatloaf. They add a salty, buttery flavor and also help hold the meatloaf together.
Mix it Up
Now, you are ready to combine all the ingredients. Grab a large bowl and mix 2lbs of ground beef, 2 eggs, an onion soup packet, the sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers, the cooled onions/green peppers, salt, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cheddar cheese. I usually use my hands to mold it all together. Then, place it in a 9 X 5 bread pan, shaping it to form to the pan. Drizzle ketchup over the top and brush it evenly over the meatloaf.
Then, put it in the oven at 400 degrees F for 70 minutes. Check it periodically as the time gets closer as every oven differs a little. Sometimes I cover it with foil towards the end of baking if the sides are looking too brown. Once it has reached 170 degree F, it’s ready! Let the meatloaf cool, and you’re ready to dish it out. I usually serve this with homemade mashed potatoes and green beans.
After you’ve mastered this, try some of our other delicious recipes like- Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup or Beef Stew!
Mouthwatering Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Bread Pan
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Chopped Green Pepper
- 1 Chopped Yellow Onion
- 1 sleeve Crushed Ritz Crackers
- 1 Onion Soup Packet
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 400 degree F
- Sauté the chopped onions and green pepper until softened. Then set aside to cool.
- Mix the ground beef, eggs, Ritz crackers, onion soup packet, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, tomato sauce, salt, and cooled onions/green pepper.
- Once the mixture is well combined, place in 9X5 bread pan and mold to pan.
- Brush the ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 70min or until temp has reached 170 degrees F. (You may need to cover with foil towards the end of baking it so the edges don't burn.)
- Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. Then serve with your choice of sides! We love homemade mashed potatoes and green beans.
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