- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 32 crushed Ritz wafers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Binding Agents
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined.
- Stir in the crushed Ritz wafers, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine with Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the pan.
4. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread the topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf mixture.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the meatloaf and serve warm alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy every bite of this rich, flavorful, and indulgent Saltine Barrel Meatloaf!
- Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a side of crusty bread and butter for extra comfort.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This Saltine Barrel Meatloaf combines the richness of ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese with the sweetness of brown sugar and tanginess of mustard into a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. The straightforward preparation ensures consistent results without requiring advanced cooking skills, while the customizable options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether served as a standalone meal or customized with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
Conclusion: A Dish Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something hearty and indulgent, looking for a way to simplify dinner prep, or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, this Saltine Barrel Meatloaf is sure to delight. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and practical preparation make it a standout recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, its adaptability means you can tailor it to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on this meatloaf might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 32 crushed Ritz wafers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Binding Agents
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined.
- Stir in the crushed Ritz wafers, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine with Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the pan.
4. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread the topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf mixture.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the meatloaf and serve warm alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy every bite of this rich, flavorful, and indulgent Saltine Barrel Meatloaf!
- Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a side of crusty bread and butter for extra comfort.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This Saltine Barrel Meatloaf combines the richness of ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese with the sweetness of brown sugar and tanginess of mustard into a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. The straightforward preparation ensures consistent results without requiring advanced cooking skills, while the customizable options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether served as a standalone meal or customized with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
Conclusion: A Dish Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something hearty and indulgent, looking for a way to simplify dinner prep, or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, this Saltine Barrel Meatloaf is sure to delight. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and practical preparation make it a standout recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, its adaptability means you can tailor it to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on this meatloaf might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨
