First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will prepare the cooking space for your meatloaf masterpiece.

Grab your finely chopped yellow onion and bell pepper. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a layer of sweetness and depth. Plus, who can resist that fantastic aroma wafting through the air?

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), crushed Ritz crackers, beaten eggs, whole milk, cheddar cheese, sautéed onion, and bell pepper. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands (yes, it's messy but rewarding) to mix everything thoroughly. Ensure that the ingredients are well-incorporated, but avoid overmixing—it should be cohesive without being tough.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf that’s about 2 to 3 inches high. Leave some space at the edges of the pan for even cooking.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, dark brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. This glorious mixture is what transforms the meatloaf from good to downright marvelous.

Spread about half of this glaze on the top of the meatloaf before baking. This adds a sticky, sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory depth of the meat.

Put the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Halfway through the cooking time, I like to add the remaining glaze on top for a second layer of flavor.

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute—resulting in a moist and flavorful slice.