Step 1

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).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Brush the top of the loaf with ketchup.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, for one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.

Step 6

Remove from the oven, and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.