This Amish Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Made with buttery crackers, onions, and crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a homestyle dinner.
I’ll be honest—I used to hate meatloaf. I mean, really hate it. Growing up, it was one of those meals that made me strategically arrange my plate so it looked like I had eaten more than I actually had. It was always dry, bland, and in desperate need of a mountain of ketchup.
Then, a few years ago, I found myself in Holmes County, Ohio, the heart of Amish country. We stopped at this little family-run restaurant—one of those places where the menu is handwritten, and every dish tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandma’s kitchen.
There it was: Amish Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. I almost skipped over it, but something about the description caught my eye. It was made with buttery crackers, a homemade glaze, and—wait for it—bacon on top. Okay, now I was intrigued.
One bite and I was completely converted. This wasn’t the dry, flavorless brick I remembered from childhood. It was moist, savory, and had just the right touch of sweetness from the glaze. And the bacon? That crispy, smoky topping sealed the deal.
As soon as I got home, I knew I had to recreate it. And now? This is the only meatloaf recipe I’ll make.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Meatloaf Recipe?
- Juicy & packed with flavor. No more dry meatloaf nightmares!
- That glaze. Sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky—pure magic.
- Bacon. Do I really need to explain this one?
- Easy to make. Mix, bake, glaze, done.
- Even better the next day. Leftovers might just be the best part.
Ingredient Notes:
Ground Beef – The Foundation
For the best results, use 80/20 ground beef. It has the perfect balance of fat to keep the meatloaf juicy without being greasy.
Buttery Crackers – The Amish Twist
Most meatloaf recipes call for breadcrumbs, but buttery round crackers (like Ritz) take this one to another level. They add richness and tenderness you just can’t get with regular breadcrumbs.
Brown Sugar – The Sweet Kick
The glaze is what makes this recipe extra special. A little brown sugar combined with ketchup, vinegar, and mustard creates that sweet-savory balance that makes this meatloaf unforgettable.
Bacon – The Crispy Crown
Two strips of bacon on top might seem simple, but trust me—it makes a huge difference. As it bakes, the bacon adds a smoky richness that takes this meatloaf over the top.
The Tangy Ketchup Glaze
Ketchup on its own is fine, but mixing it with brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard creates a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized. It’s what makes this meatloaf so addictive.
How To Make Amish Meatloaf?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Crushed buttery crackers
- ¾ cup ketchup
- Chopped onion
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Eggs
Mix everything together until just combined. Try not to overwork the meat—it’ll stay more tender that way.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Want To Save This Recipe?
Press the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Top with Bacon
Lay two strips of bacon over the top. As it bakes, the bacon will crisp up and add even more flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake for 45 minutes. While it’s in the oven, you’ll have time to whip up the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Mustard
- Salt
This is what gives the meatloaf that beautiful, sticky finish.
Step 7: Glaze & Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).
Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and hold its shape.
Storage Options:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these ideas:
- Swap the Crackers: Panko, regular breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes all work.
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne for a little heat.
- BBQ Twist: Replace half the ketchup with BBQ sauce.
- Go Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar.
What to Serve with Amish Meatloaf?
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – The perfect combo.
- Roasted Veggies – Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts work great.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery, and perfect for extra glaze.
- Side Salad – A fresh contrast to balance the richness.
- Mac & Cheese – Because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) is the magic number.
Can I skip the bacon?
You can, but why would you? It adds extra flavor and crispiness.
This Amish Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, flavorful, and topped with the best glaze ever. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s a guaranteed hit.
So, what do you think? Ready to give this a try? Let me know how it turns out!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Amish Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef preferably 80/20 for best texture
- 2 ½ cups crushed buttery round crackers such as Ritz
- 1 ¾ cups ketchup divided
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoons vinegar white or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, ¾ cup ketchup, chopped onion, ¼ cup brown sugar, and eggs. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape and Assemble the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan and press it down evenly to shape the loaf. Lay the two strips of bacon over the top, ensuring they cover the surface to add moisture and flavor while baking.
Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the remaining 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Apply the Glaze and Finish Baking
- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the prepared glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the meatloaf holds its shape and retains its juices. Serve warm with preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Replace buttery crackers with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Ensure that the ketchup, mustard, and vinegar used are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-based additives.
- Double-check all pre-packaged ingredients for any gluten-containing fillers.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
