This super simple sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce comes together in minutes with just 3 ingredients! It’s the ultimate topping and the perfect finish to all your favorite meatloaf recipes!
Best Meatloaf Glaze
For some people, meatloaf isn’t complete without smothering it in meatloaf sauce and I tend to agree! It’s a sweet and tangy way to top off any deliciously seasoned, juicy meatloaf recipe, especially when using leaner meat like in this scrumptious turkey meatloaf, which doesn’t have as much of its own juices.
This quick and easy glaze is made with just 3 ingredients including BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, and the option of adding a bit more tang, or spice to it.
It comes together in minutes and is an amazing meatloaf topping sauce that’ll make you want to lick the spoon! We love it on stuffed meatloaf, Lipton onion soup meatloaf and easy sheet pan meatloaf.
Ingredients
- Ketchup: This is the base of the sauce and what is most traditionally used in ketchup.
- BBQ sauce: I love to mix in BBQ sauce to add a boost of flavor.
- Brown sugar: The sugar adds a little bit of sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce on top.
Addition: Some ways to mix up the sauce is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice or a teaspoon of mustard for a boost of flavor.
How to Make Meatloaf Sauce
Combine all the ingredients listed and do a little taste test. Add salt and pepper, if desired, or think about whether you need a bit more tang or a bit of heat. Once you’ve got the perfect combination of ingredients, it’s ready to go!
Pour the meatloaf glaze over your meatloaf, and spread it evenly. Save a little extra for serving.
Make more of this sauce than you need and keep a jar of it in the fridge and use it as a glaze for this easy BBQ chicken recipe for dinner or as a dip for these appetizer baked chicken meatballs.
Tips to Jazz it Up!
A good old fashioned red sauce for meatloaf is sometimes perfect just the way it is. On some days, it’s nice to switch things up!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Some Dijon mustard would be nice for a tangy, sharp flavor. Or use vinegar!
- Homemade BBQ sauce is my favorite way to make this glaze even better, but use your favorite store bought if you have some on hand.
- Garlic powder and onion powder are great flavor enhancers.
Storing Leftover Sauce
Keep any extra sauce you have made sealed in an airtight jar or container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Take it out when you need it and use it as a condiment, a sauce, a dip, or a glaze!
Recipe FAQs
This glaze is made of both ketchup and BBQ sauce with a touch of brown sugar. I find it is the best combination!
This glaze would be my answer! If you are trying to substitute the ketchup in this sauce, try tomato paste instead of ketchup.
I prefer to add the sauce before I bake my meatloaf. This provides the best flavor and keeps your meatloaf moist. You can always add some extra glaze during the final minutes of cooking for more flavor if you wish.
There are so many great side dishes to serve with meatloaf that has been glazed with this sauce! Depending on the season, choose from a variety of roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice or noodles.
More Recipes to Serve with Meatloaf
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
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Meatloaf Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- 2-3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
Optional
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Ad mustard if desired. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Then pour over top of the meatloaf. Add pepper on top if desired. Bake according to directions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sauces
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Best meatloaf sauce ever, our whole family loves it
Thanks for the review, I am so glad your family loves it!
I don’t eat meat but I was making meatloaf for my boyfriend and needed a simple sauce. This was great and he loved it.
simple to make
Love this sauce just as it is but I do put a little Dijon Mustard in it. It brings my meatloaf flavor up a notch and adds moisture. Delicious!
Yummy! Thanks for the tip Geralyn! I’m so glad you enjoyed it :)
I can’t find out how long it’s supposed to stay in the oven and at what temperature
Hi Marsha! This recipe is just for the sauce you put on meatloaf, not the actual meatloaf recipe. If you’re looking for a meatloaf recipe, here’s a good one :) https://www.iheartnaptime.net/meatloaf/
Kids and guest loved the taste of this sauce! Thanks
Made this sauce for my meat loaf And it was amazing thanks 🙏🏽
Added a few tablespoons of the tomato paste left over from my meatloaf and the same amount of pesto. Whole family is enthusiastic about the change. I have never glazed a meatloaf before, but now this is our new normal!
Sounds like the perfect addition!
Okay hooks up very well makes the meatloaf look good and The taste is awesome
Happy to hear it was a success!
Thank you for an awesome sauce. Made a Bison meatloaf for the first time and add this sauce for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Again AWESOME
So happy to hear it was a success!
The perfect amount of sweet and tart!
This is SO much better than the bottle of ketchup my mom used to dump on top and so easy too! My new go-to for meatloaf.