This classic meatloaf recipe made with saltine crackers is an easy and delicious comfort food meal I love making during the winter. The saltine crackers add a subtle salty flavor and a perfect binding texture, while the sweet ketchup glaze makes every bite irresistible. It's a great holiday dinner recipe and also is an ideal family meal for busy days during the week since it's so easy to make!
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Why I Love This Meatloaf with Crackers
This recipe came straight out of my grandma’s recipe box. She swore by using saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs, and after trying it myself, I totally get why. It gives the meatloaf a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Every time I make this dish, it reminds me of cozy family dinners growing up, where the smell of meatloaf baking in the oven would bring everyone to the kitchen. This recipe yields a bunch of hearty servings, too, so it really is the perfect family meal!
Ingredients
- 20 saltine crackers
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup ketchup, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, divided
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
How to Make Meatloaf with Crackers
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the crackers into crumbs.
Combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, grated onion and carrot, minced garlic, parsley, egg, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Step 2: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan or shape it by hand on the baking sheet. Smooth it into an even loaf shape for even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Tent the loaf with foil if the top browns too quickly. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
My Expert Tips For The Best Meatloaf with Crackers
- Use fresh ingredients: Grating fresh onion, carrot, and garlic ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense meatloaf. It should look like my pictures above.
- Customize the glaze: Add a touch of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor. You could even add BBQ sauce for a smoky glaze.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your meatloaf reaches 160°F without overcooking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest ensures it holds together when sliced.
FAQ's About This Meatloaf Recipe with Crackers
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crackers?
Yes, you can substitute equal amounts of breadcrumbs if you don’t have crackers, but the texture will differ slightly. And since this is a meatloaf recipe with crackers, it's really best to not substitute them.
How do I store leftover meatloaf?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What goes well with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables are classic sides that pair perfectly with this dish.
My Final Thoughts on This Hearty Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf with crackers recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic trip to family dinners filled with laughter and comfort. Whether it’s your first time trying it or you’re revisiting a classic, I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too!
More Meatloaf Recipes to Try Next
Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers
This classic meatloaf recipe made with saltine crackers is an easy and delicious comfort food meal I love making during the winter. The saltine crackers add a subtle salty flavor and a perfect binding texture, while the sweet ketchup glaze makes every bite irresistible. It's a great holiday dinner recipe and also is an ideal family meal for busy days during the week since it's so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 20 saltine crackers
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85 percent lean)
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup ketchup, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ¾ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly brush an 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½-inch loaf pan with olive oil and set it on the wire rack. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse the saltines into fine crumbs. You’ll need about ½ cup of crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large bowl and add the ground beef.
3. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the carrot and onion, and add them to the bowl with the meat mixture. Then, finely grate the garlic using the fine holes of the grater and add it to the bowl. Toss in the parsley, eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ¼ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Place the loaf pan on the prepared rack and bake in the oven until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F, about 1 hour. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil.
7. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for about 1 hour before slicing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 610Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 198mgSodium: 1213mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 50g
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