Amish Meatloaf

Amish Meatloaf

8 servings
A recipe for Amish meatloaf topped with bacon strips and a ketchup glaze that I had while in Amish country in Holmes County, Ohio.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 ½ cups crushed butter-flavored crackers
  • 1 small onion

    chopped

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 slices bacon
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
    or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, mix together ground beef, crushed crackers, onion, eggs, 3/4 cup ketchup, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until well blended. Press into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Lay the two slices of bacon over the top.

  3. 3

    Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until cooked through. While the loaf bakes, mix together the remaining 1 cup ketchup, vinegar, salt, mustard and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Spread over the top of the meat loaf for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Amish Meatloaf

Amish Meatloaf

4.5(713)75 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a taste of comforting, classic American cooking with a unique twist? This Amish Meatloaf, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Holmes County, Ohio, brings together hearty ground beef with a standout bacon topping and a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze.

What makes this Amish meatloaf truly special is its signature topping: crispy bacon strips baked right on top, coupled with a perfectly balanced ketchup glaze. The crushed butter-flavored crackers create a wonderfully moist and tender interior, ensuring every bite is flavorful and never dry. This recipe elevates a traditional family favorite into something truly memorable.

Prepare for a hearty and satisfying meal that will become a new family staple. Each slice offers a tender, savory meatloaf base, beautifully complemented by the rich, smoky crispness of bacon. The glaze—a delightful blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard—adds a glossy, tangy-sweet finish that penetrates the meat as it bakes, creating a cohesive and mouthwatering experience. This dish is designed for comfort and flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the balance of the ketchup glaze ingredients to suit your preference; a little more brown sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for a tangier kick works well. While butter-flavored crackers are specified for their unique richness, you can experiment with other types of plain, savory crackers to subtly alter the flavor and texture of the meatloaf base.

Serve this classic Amish Meatloaf as the centerpiece of a comforting family dinner. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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