Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs 80/20 ground chuck
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, finely crushed
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, very finely minced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, very finely minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Fold in the crushed Ritz crackers and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the crackers to hydrate and swell.
  3. Add the finely minced onion and green bell pepper to the cracker mixture and stir to combine.
  4. Add the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix by hand until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat which can lead to a dense texture.
  5. Press the mixture into a 10x5 inch loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
  7. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Apply the remaining glaze and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute and the structure sets.