1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature works well for baking and helps keep the meatloaf moist. Finely dice your onions and bell peppers, then sauté them in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they soften. Set them aside to cool, as this adds flavor without making the mixture too wet.

2-Second Step: Mix the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Gently add the ground meat and mix just until combined to avoid toughening the texture. For the best results with this cracker style meatloaf recipe, use a light hand when stirring.

3-Third Step: Shape and Bake Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan for even cooking. Bake it for the first 30 minutes, then prepare the topping by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Using a loaf pan not only keeps the shape intact but also ensures the meat cooks uniformly, which is why it’s recommended.

4-Final Steps: Topping and Resting After the initial bake, brush the topping over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 30 to 40 minutes until it reaches 155°F internally. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing; this step is key for juicy results. The preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking 1 hour, and resting 15 minutes, totaling 1 hour and 30 minutes. For more baking ideas, check out our banana bread coffee cake recipe, which pairs well with this dish.