Bop's Favorite Meatloaf Recipe is a super savory and easy comfort food that's generously flavored with onion, green bell pepper, spices, and of course, ketchup. An easy meatloaf recipe that's sure to become a family favorite!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F., and spray a large rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. You can also line the pan with foil or parchment, if you like, for easier clean up (spray any lining with cooking spray).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, eggs, crushed bay leaf, salt, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Shape the ground beef mixture into a long oval loaf that is about 9 to 10 inches long. Place the loaf in the center of the baking dish.
Brush the top of the loaf with ketchup.
Bake, uncovered, for one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
Remove from the oven, and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Notes
I had never added tomato sauce to meatloaf before this recipe, but I love it! You can't taste it much, but it makes the meatloaf extra moist. You'll love it.
If you aren't crazy about green peppers (or if your kids are going to fuss about green flecks in the dish), you can omit them, though they add a great brightness to the dish.
Be careful to mix the ingredients don't overmix. You'll end up with a tough meatloaf.
You can sub ground turkey, if desired, but the lower fat content may result in a drier meatloaf.