Go Back

Monster Meatloaf

This hearty meatloaf combines ground beef, onions, and cracker crumbs into a dense, flavorful loaf with a crispy top. Baked to perfection and glazed with a sweet and smoky ketchup sauce, it offers a satisfying, rustic texture with a hint of chaos in every slice. Perfect for those craving comfort food with a wild twist.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups cracker crumbs plain or saltine crackers crushed
  • 2 eggs large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce adds umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons milk helps keep the loaf moist
  • 0.5 cup ketchup for glazing
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar adds sweetness to the glaze
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce hot sauce adjust to taste for spice

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Loaf pan or baking dish
  • basting brush
  • Oven thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your loaf pan with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and finely chopped onion, mixing until the onion is evenly distributed.
  3. Add the crushed cracker crumbs, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and milk to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly—use your hands or a spoon—until the mixture is uniform and slightly sticky.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to form a firm, even shape.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour, or until the top is dark and slightly crackly, and the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
  6. While the loaf bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. In the last 15 minutes of baking, gently brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf using a basting brush, coating it evenly.
  8. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent it from falling apart when sliced.
  9. Slice the meatloaf thickly and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the hearty, slightly chaotic flavors and crispy top of this monster dish!