Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey for beef or add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it your own while maintaining that classic flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps for a perfect meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, and crushed Ritz crackers.
- Add the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined. Overworking the meat can make the loaf dense.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial for the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf moist and tender.
As you cook, remember those moments in the kitchen when a pinch of this or a handful of that turned into something comforting and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International