There are so many ways to make meatloaf, but I love this one with the surprise in the middle. I add a layer of cheese for a yummy surprise. It’s great having a 10 year old who is interested in photography. Matthew took the photos for this recipe.
Gather your ingredients.
- 1 lb ground beef, 95%, 85% or 80% lean*
- 1 med onion, (to taste), finely chopped. I use pearl onions They are smaller and easier to work with.
- 1 med green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 14.5 oz can of sloppy joe sauce
- 3/4 cup crushed Ritz (or store brand) crackers.
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350o. If using a baking sheet line it with foil. If using a dish or loaf pan spray with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper or foil for easier clean up.
Please crackers in a plastic Ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Dice bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Set aside some of the sloppy joe sauce to use on top.
Place the meat in a large bowl and break apart. Add all of the other ingredients and mix just until well combined. You may use a spoon or fork to mix or use your hands and put on disposable gloves if you want to.
Add 1/2 of the meat to the pan and shape it if on a baking sheet. Add a layer of cheese for the surprise middle. Then, put the remaining meat on top.
Spread the sauce that was set aside over the Meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer or until the meat looks done.
Add cheese to the top and allow it to melt as the meatloaf rests for 10-15 minutes.
Serve with your favorite sides.
Nita’s Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef, 95%, 85% or 80% lean can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey
- 2 ea pearl onion
- 1 ea medium sized green bell pepper
- 1 ea egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 14.5 oz can sloppy joe sauce
- 3/4 cup crushed Ritz (or store brand butter round) crackers
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- preheat oven to 350°F
- Line a rimmed baking sheet, loaf pan or baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup
- In a large bowl break up ground beef
- Add sloppy joe sauce and mix. Set aside some of the sloppy joe sauce to use on top
- Add onion, green bell pepper, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix
- Add crushed crackers and mix
- Add 1/2 of the meat to the pan and shape it if it is on a sheet pan.
- Add shredded cheese on top and add remaining meat.
- Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 30 to 40 minutes
- Spread the sauce over the Meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes or until done
- Sprinkle cheese on top and let melt in oven for 2 minutes
- Rest the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before serving and it will be much easier to slice.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
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