A comforting, flavor-packed twist on classic meatloaf, this version includes cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Why I Love This Recipe

This meatloaf brings back memories of cozy family dinners.

The cheddar cheese melts into every bite, the Ritz crackers add richness and texture, and the glaze?

A sweet-savory dream! It’s hearty, nostalgic, and so easy to pull together.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground beef (85% lean): Flavorful and juicy, without too much grease.

Ritz crackers: Buttery and crumbly, replacing breadcrumbs with more depth.

Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a melty interior.

Glaze ingredients: Ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire deliver a tangy-sweet finish.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t overmix your meat mixture—just enough to combine.

Leave a few cracker crumbs chunky for better texture.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (160°F internal temp).

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices.

How to Make Cheesy Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Set aside.

Step 2: Crush the Crackers

Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag, cover with a kitchen towel, and crush using a rolling pin or heavy object until fine (a few lumps are okay).

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, cheddar cheese, milk, crushed crackers, salt, and pepper.

Use your hands to mix everything together until evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking sheet and form into a loaf shape.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the loaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm with your favorite sides!

What to Serve It With

Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad pair perfectly with this cheesy meatloaf.

Don’t forget an extra drizzle of glaze on the side!

Variations / Substitutions

Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Try crushed pretzels or cornflakes instead of Ritz for crunch.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and shape the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different types of crackers or breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Ritz adds buttery flavor, but you can substitute with saltines or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Is the cheese necessary?
It adds creaminess, but you can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use a loaf pan instead of baking on a sheet?
Yes, but be aware it may take slightly longer to bake through.

Drain excess fat as needed.

What if I don’t have green bell pepper?
You can omit it or substitute with red or yellow bell pepper, or even finely chopped celery.

Can I double the glaze?
Definitely! Make extra if you like a more saucy finish or want some for dipping.

How do I know the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer. It’s fully cooked when it reaches 160°F in the center.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy Ritz cracker meatloaf is the definition of comfort food.

It’s rich, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether for Sunday dinner or leftovers all week, it’s a go-to recipe I keep coming back to.

The Boat Shed Kitchen