▢2 pounds lean ground beef ▢1 small finely diced onion ▢½ cup finely diced bell pepper, optional ▢1½ sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers, 48 crackers total ▢4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar or Colby cheese ▢3 eggs ▢½ cup milk ▢1 teaspoon salt ▢¼ teaspoon black pepper Topping ▢½ to ¾ cup ketchup ▢2 tablespoons brown sugar ▢1 teaspoon mustard
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, milk, onion, bell pepper, salt and black pepper.
Mix well, then add ground beef and mix well again making sure not to over-mix.
Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and spread the topping over the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the center is 160°F. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving.