1-Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2-Sauté vegetables: Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened, then set aside to cool.

3-Mix base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the whisked eggs, crushed crackers, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and black pepper.

4-Add meat: Add the ground meat and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep it tender.

5-Shape the loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan for even cooking and to hold its shape.

6-Bake initially: Bake for 30 minutes.

7-Prepare topping: Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the topping.

8-Apply topping and bake further: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the topping evenly over it, and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).

9-Rest meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes, during which the temperature will rise to at least 160°F (71°C).

10-Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the center is at 160°F (71°C) before slicing.

11-Serve: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite side dishes.