Gatekeeper's Meatloaf & Glaze

 

Set oven at 350°

1lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)

1 cup Ritz crackers…crumbled  (saltines are OK, too)

½ cup chopped white onion (l like it medium fine)

½ cup chopped red bell pepper (any bell pepper will work, but the red is sweeter)

Two small eggs, or one big one

Spice combination: salt, black pepper (fresh ground), onion flakes/powder, granulated garlic The amounts are not crucial, but go sparingly on the salt, since other ingredients also contain sodium.  I don’t measure these…add them by sight, mostly.  Lawry’s Seasoning Salt can be used.

½ cup BBQ sauce…not too sweet, 2TBL ketchup & 1TBLS Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, 1TBL honey (mixed together)

Splash of  Worcestershire and Dale’s steak seasoning (optional to taste) I love these flavors.

In a small mixing bowl, mix eggs with fork and add seasoning, Worcestershire and Dale’s, and half the BBQ sauce mixture (save other half as a glaze).  Put ground beef in a stainless mixing bowl and add the mixed ingredients, chopped onion and pepper, and cracker crumbs.  Using a fork, or a fork and a table knife, mix the ingredients.  Do not mix with your hands. It will result in a loaf that becomes too dense.  Slow and easy, and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients and to break down the ground beef.  Put the mixture in a small, 8 inch cast iron skillet. Using a fork, mash gently until it is evenly spread in the skillet.

Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 1 hour

Remove and drain any extra fat/grease…simply pour it off

Apply glaze to top and put back in oven for another 15 minutes

Optional for crispy sides: Raise oven rack to 2^nd setting and set oven on BROIL at 500° for 3-4 minutes…checking it often.

Remove and allow to set for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.