Amish Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a juicy meatloaf slice, showcasing its savory texture and rich color.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

This Amish Meatloaf Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, buttery crackers, onions, and a sweet, tangy glaze. Topped with crispy bacon, this comforting classic is perfect for family dinners and makes excellent leftovers.

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Servings

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

To make this Amish Meatloaf Recipe gluten-free:

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.

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