Cheesy Meatloaf
Copied after Cracker Barrels Meatloaf
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- salt and pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350º 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.
- Combined 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 in 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 155º F.)
