Skip Plain Breadcrumbs: Add This Classic Snack To Ground Beef For More Flavorful Meatballs

You can find meatballs almost anywhere in the world; the little spheres welcome an abundance of ingredients. So, when you're looking for a filler to build out the dish, leave stale old breadcrumbs behind, and settle on Ritz crackers instead. Traditionally, you might think of these crisps as a serving vessel rather than a cooking ingredient. Yet the crackers improve meatballs in both texture and taste, all from a convenient, shelf-stable form.

Integrating the Ritz into the dish is easy: Simply crush up the crackers and roll them into the meatballs alongside the other ingredients. Yet even after roasting, you'll pick up on the snack's signature buttery-salty flavor, a tasting note that'll season the beef. And Ritz also enhances the dish's consistency. The crackers contain fats that can contribute richness to the meatballs — and as they cook, they'll sop up liquids, helping the dish stay tender.

Made with Ritz, meatballs won't lose their classic appeal — they'll come out of the oven beautifully brown and toasted. And you can still serve Ritz meatballs alongside pasta or potatoes, as well as enjoy them on their own. The crisps pair delectably with beef — you could also make meatloaf with this store-bought snack — but there's a special appeal to the meatball form.

Not sure how to round out a batch of Ritz meatballs? Many of the same classic fillings work seamlessly in the mix. Like with breadcrumbs, you'll want to incorporate some eggs and milk to help bind the mixture. And don't miss out on the cheese, either. Grated parmesan ties together the dish with a salty-savory flavor, while cheddar will melt into a pleasantly gooey consistency. For an even richer composition, toss in some mayo, too — the emulsion helps ensure that the dish remains extra moist. And feel free to experiment with various proteins, using pork, turkey, veal, or chicken. Each meat type will lend a distinct flavor and texture to the dish, all while still pairing well with Ritz.

With the foundation in place, play with a wide array of meatball flavor variations. Keep the seasoning classic with a touch of parsley and salt, or contrast Ritz's buttery notes with the smoky flavors of chipotle. Cater to the cracker's savory flavors with a touch of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, and add spices like garlic and onion powder. With a moist and flavorful composition, Ritz meatballs let you craft riffs with confidence — you won't have to worry about an off-puttingly dry result.