Meatloaf Sauce Recipe

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My meatloaf sauce recipe can be made with just 3 ingredients. This is a classic recipe that has been made for years and one that I grew up eating. The perfect compliment to your favorite meatloaf.

Bowl with ketchup and a brush.


 

Homemade meatloaf glaze

In my opinion, one of the best things about meatloaf is the meatloaf sauce. It adds a boost of amazing flavor to an already amazing meal.

I also feel like you don’t need many ingredients to make a tasty sauce. That’s why I love this 3 ingredient sauce recipe that I grew up eating. It’s a great combination of savory, sweet, with a hint of tang.

Even though this only has a few ingredients, I think I have perfected the proportions to ensure you get a delicious sauce every time.

While I do put this sauce on my meatloaf, like this Lipton Onion Soup meatloaf and air fryer meatloaf, I also love serving it on hamburgers and meatballs.

Why you will love this

  • Simple: Only 3 ingredients needed. You probably already have them in your kitchen.
  • Taste: This adds so much extra flavor to your meatloaf.
  • Fast: You can whip this recipe up in under 5 minutes.

Meatloaf sauce ingredients

You can’t get much easier than these 3 ingredients.

  • Ketchup – The base to the sauce recipe.
  • Brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
  • Ground mustard – This adds a hint of tanginess to the sauce.
Bowl of ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard.

How to make meatloaf sauce with brown sugar

Step one: Place ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard in a bowl.

Step two: Whisk everything together to fully combine. When the meatloaf has about 15 minutes left to cook, spread the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and finish baking.

Bowl of meatloaf sauce with a whisk.

Heather’s recipe tips and variations

  • If you prefer to wait and put the sauce on after the meatloaf has completely finished cooking, I recommend heating this sauce in a small saucepan until the brown sugar dissolves.
  • You might have leftovers depending on the size of your meatloaf. You can serve any extra sauce on the side or save for later.
  • Brown sugar: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add extra brown sugar. And if you don’t want it as sweet, you can reduce the amount.
  • Mustard: If you don’t have ground mustard you can substitute with yellow mustard or Dijon mustard if you like extra tang.
  • Seasoning: Amp up the flavor even more by adding in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for heat.
Brushing meatloaf glaze on a meatloaf.

How to store leftover sauce

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 5 days.

How to serve meatloaf sauce

You can serve this sauce on your favorite meatloaf recipe. The amount of sauce you use will depend on your taste and the size of your meatloaf.

This sauce can also be served on hamburgers, hot dogs, meatballs, roast beef, and more.

I also like using it as a dip for french fries and onion rings.

Common questions

What can I put on meatloaf instead of ketchup?

I love putting this sauce on meatloaf. You can substitute the ketchup with BBQ sauce if you prefer.

Do I put the sauce on the meatloaf before baking?

No, I suggest that you put the sauce on the meatloaf with about 15-20 minutes left of cook time. This will give the sauce a chance to caramelize.

Meatloaf side dishes

Looking for something to serve with your main dish? Try one of my favorite sides:

Pleas let me know if you made this sauce recipe in the comments below.

Bowl with ketchup and a brush.
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Meatloaf Sauce Recipe

By Heather Seeley
This easy meatloaf sauce recipe is perfect to put on your meatloaf, hamburgers, and more. A 3 ingredient sauce that can be made in minutes.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

Instructions 

  • Place the ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard in a bowl.
  • Whisk together until fully combined.
  • If using on a meatloaf, spread the sauce in an even layer on top of the meatloaf when it has about 15 minutes left of cook time. This will give the sauce a chance to caramelize.

Video

Notes

  • If you prefer to wait and put the sauce on after the meatloaf has completely finished cooking, I recommend heating this sauce in a small saucepan until the brown sugar dissolves.
  • You might have leftovers depending on the size of your meatloaf. You can serve any extra sauce on the side or save for later.
  • Mustard: If you don’t have ground mustard you can substitute with yellow mustard or Dijon mustard if you like extra tang.
  • Seasoning: Amp up the flavor even more by adding in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 2192mg | Potassium: 748mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 104g | Vitamin A: 1231IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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