Description
This classic meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 eggs (whisked)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½–¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sauté the diced peppers and onions in a small pan with the olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. This gives them a more subtle flavor and texture. Set aside and let cool.
- Combine the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, onions, bell peppers, cheese, milk, and salt/pepper in a large bowl.
- Add ground beef and mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat, we want tender results.
- Form it into a loaf and place it into a loaf pan. Not using a loaf pan can result in the loaf falling apart. It also takes much longer to cook, which causes it to dry out.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Combine the topping ingredients while it bakes and set aside.
- Remove the meatloaf and brush on the topping. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes. (Pull it once it reaches 155 degrees.)
- Let it rest for 15 minutes in the loaf pan prior to slicing in. It will increase 8-10 degrees in temperature during this time. Slicing in too early also causes the juices to leak out. Ensure the middle is 160 degrees before you slice it.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can utilize alternative meats if desired, such as turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg