Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into coarse crumbs
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, very finely minced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, very finely minced
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your loaf pan. Note: This prevents the exterior from sticking and tearing.
  2. Whisk the wet ingredients including the 2 eggs and 2/3 cup whole milk in your large bowl.
  3. Stir in the binders by adding the 2 cups of crushed crackers, 4 oz shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup minced onion, and 1/2 cup minced bell pepper.
  4. Season the mixture with the 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper.
  5. Add the ground beef to the bowl, breaking it apart with your fingers as you drop it in.
  6. Combine with a light touch by folding the ingredients together until just barely uniform in color.
  7. Press the mixture into your prepared pan or form a loaf on a baking sheet.
  8. Mix the signature glaze by whisking the 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp mustard, and 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
  9. Apply the first layer of glaze using about half of the mixture, spreading it evenly across the top.
  10. Bake for 55 minutes until the center is firm and the edges are bubbling. Apply the remaining glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.