Zesty Cheez-It Meatloaf
Indulge in a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food with our Zesty Cheez-It Meatloaf. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a medley of zesty seasonings and A1 sauce to pack a delicious punch. The unique addition of Cheez-It crackers adds a delightful cheesy crunch that promises not to overwhelm but rather enhance the overall flavor profile without the need for traditional cheese. Topped with a tangy glaze of ketchup and A1 sauce, this meatloaf is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (fresh)
egg
1 (beaten)
ketchup
1/2 cup (for mixing)
A1 Original Sauce
1/4 cup (for mixing)
steak seasoning
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
Cheez-It crackers
3/4 cup (crumbled)
ketchup
3/4 cup (for topping)
A1 Original Sauce
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup A1 sauce, steak seasoning, and crushed Cheez-It crackers. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Transfer the meat mixture into an ungreased 13x9 baking dish, shaping it into a loaf.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F (68-71°C).
5
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by mixing 3/4 cup ketchup with 1/4 cup A1 sauce in a small bowl.
6
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven, uncover, and spoon the ketchup-A1 mixture generously over the top.
7
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
8
After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
11.67g
Fat
11.67g
Carbs
13.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cheez-It Meatloaf?
Zesty Cheez-It Meatloaf is a flavorful variation of traditional meatloaf that uses crushed Cheez-It crackers for a cheesy crunch and A1 sauce for a zesty punch.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Do I need to add actual cheese to this meatloaf?
No, the Cheez-It crackers provide a cheesy flavor and crunch without the need for traditional cheese.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
The recipe requires one beaten egg to help bind the ingredients.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use an ungreased 13x9 baking dish.
How much steak seasoning should I add?
It is recommended to use 2 to 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning, adjusted to your personal taste.
How long is the initial baking period?
The meatloaf should be covered and baked for 1 hour initially.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The internal temperature should reach between 155 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit (68-71 degrees Celsius).
What are the ingredients for the glaze topping?
The topping consists of 3/4 cup ketchup and 1/4 cup A1 Original Sauce mixed together.
When should the glaze be applied?
Apply the glaze after the initial 1-hour bake, once you remove the meatloaf from the oven and uncover it.
How long is the final bake after adding the glaze?
Bake the meatloaf uncovered for an additional 15 minutes after applying the ketchup-A1 mixture.
Why is it important to let the meatloaf rest?
Allowing the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes helps it set, making it easier to slice and serving it juicier.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving of this meatloaf.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 11.67 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 11.67 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 13.33 grams of protein.
What is the total amount of A1 Original Sauce needed?
You will need a total of 1/2 cup: 1/4 cup for the meat mixture and 1/4 cup for the topping.
What is the total amount of ketchup needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of ketchup: 1/2 cup for the mixture and 3/4 cup for the glaze.
Can I use different crackers for this meatloaf?
While Cheez-Its are specified for their unique flavor, you could substitute other crackers, though it will change the zesty profile.
Is the baking dish greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased 13x9 baking dish.
How should the Cheez-It crackers be prepared?
The 3/4 cup of Cheez-It crackers should be crumbled before being added to the meat mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include meatloaf, comfort food, A1 sauce, Cheez-It, beef, dinner, and easy recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of steak seasoning and A1 sauce to suit your spice preference.
Do I need to cover the meatloaf while baking?
Yes, it should be covered with aluminum foil for the first hour of baking.
What makes this meatloaf 'zesty'?
The combination of A1 sauce, steak seasoning, and the sharp flavor of Cheez-It crackers creates the zesty profile.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, ground turkey can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the moisture and fat content.
Is this recipe considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple mixing and baking steps.
What is the preparation for the egg?
The egg should be beaten before being mixed with the other meatloaf ingredients.