Are you craving a comforting, classic meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible meatloaf recipe using saltines! This recipe takes a beloved dish and elevates it with a simple yet ingenious twist – crushed saltines for added texture and moisture. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish without hours in the kitchen. This is one of those easy recipes that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for a family gathering. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup crushed saltines (about 8-10 crackers)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked meatloaf.
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Crush the Crackers: In a medium bowl, crush the saltines into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for a finer crumb, or simply crush them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, crushed saltines, onion, green bell pepper, egg, ketchup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
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Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Try to make it as even as possible for consistent cooking.
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Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
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Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will make it tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Add Some Glaze: For extra flavor, brush the top of the meatloaf with extra ketchup or a homemade glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or mushrooms, to the meatloaf mixture.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese.
- BBQ Meatloaf: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This meatloaf recipe using saltines is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious, easy recipe that’s perfect for a healthy meal the whole family will love. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know how yours turns out! We’d love to see your pictures!