Big Family Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Big Family Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 1/2 cups crushed saltines (1 row plus 8 crackers); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, original; 1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder; 1/3 teaspoon black pepper; 2/3 cup tomato sauce (or use tomato paste cut in half with water); 1 large sweet onion (vidalia, Walla Walla, or Texas sweet); 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon canned garlic (from jar); 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 1/3 tablespoons prepared mustard; 1 1/3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Servings: persons

2 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 cups crushed saltines (1 row plus 8 crackers)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, original
1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
1/3 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cup tomato sauce (or use tomato paste cut in half with water)
1 large sweet onion (vidalia, Walla Walla, or Texas sweet)
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon canned garlic (from jar)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 1/3 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 1/3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1
Preheat oven to 325.
2
In a very large bowl put hamburger, crackers crumbled,salt, essence, boullion powder, and black pepper - set aside.
3
Cut onion into larger pieces and put it in the food processor with the garlic -- pulse until pieces are small. Dump onion mixture into the bowl with the meat.
4
Beat the three eggs (in the food processor if you don't want to dirty a bowl) and add them to the meat bowl.
5
Add the tomato sauce to the meat bowl and use your hands to mix all very well (I like to wear rubber gloves to save on clean-up time).
6
Divide meat mixture in half. Form into two loaves on the botton of your broiler pan or a roasting pan. Leave room between loaves for even baking.
7
In smaller bowl mix together with a fork; ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and cider vinegar. This is your topping -- Brush tops and sides of loaves with this before baking and again while baking.
8
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes.
9
When I remove the pan from the oven I like to pour off the excess oil in the bottom of the pan. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice thick and pieces should hold together well.

787

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 lbs ground beef, 1 1/2 cups crushed saltines (1 row plus 8 crackers), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, original, and more.

Yes, Big Family Meatloaf falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Big Family Meatloaf

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions