Paula Deen Meatloaf With Ritz Crackers
If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meatloaf, then this Paula Deen Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers is the perfect recipe for you! This Southern-style meatloaf is rich, moist, and packed with savory goodness, all thanks to a secret ingredient—Ritz crackers. Instead of using traditional breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery texture and delicious flavor, making this meatloaf extra special.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – To combine the ingredients
- Sharp Knife – For chopping onions and peppers
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure ingredients accurately
- Loaf Pan (9×5-inch) – For shaping and baking the meatloaf
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs 80/20 beef works best for flavor and juiciness
- Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve about 30 crackers, crushed
- Eggs: 2 large helps bind the ingredients
- Milk: ½ cup adds moisture
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Bell Pepper: ½ cup finely chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
- Ketchup: ½ cup for mixing in the meatloaf
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon adds a deep, savory taste
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup: ½ cup
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard: 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Crush the Ritz Crackers:
- Place one sleeve of Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they become fine crumbs.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Eggs
- Milk
- Chopped onion and bell pepper
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is well incorporated. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf will become tough.
Shape and Place in the Loaf Pan:
- Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan and press it gently to form an even shape.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Spread this sweet and tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If the top starts browning too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Let It Rest and Serve:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy this Southern-style comfort food!
Notes
- Use 80/20 Ground Beef: This ratio keeps the meatloaf moist without being too greasy.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too much makes the meatloaf dense and tough—gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160°F (71°C) in the center.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and flavorful.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor even more!