MEATLOAF (CRACKER BARREL KOPY KAT)

LOAF:

2 lbs of lean ground beef (use 90-93% lean)

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

1 1/2x sleeves of Ritz crackers, crushed (48-50 crackers)

2x eggs

1 cup grated sharp cheddar

1/2 cup of milk

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 cup of bell pepper – finely diced (optional)

TOPPING:

1/2 cup of ketchup

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of mustard

1. Mix well all the loaf ingredients EXCEPT the ground beef.

2. Once everything is thoroughly combined, GENTLY mix in the beef. DO NOT OVER MIX.

3. Place parchment or foil on a rim lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray.

4. Form the meat into a loaf.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

6. Mix the topping ingredients.

7. After the loaf has cooked 30 minutes, take it out and cover it with the topping.

8. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes until thermometer reads 160 degrees.

9. Let stand 15 minutes.

Hint: you can place the cooked loaf on top of bread slices to absorb any extra grease.