This sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce doubles as a glaze that locks in moisture and adds the perfect finishing touch to all your favorite meatloaf recipes. Just 3 simple ingredients and ready in minutes!

Meatloaf sauce being spooned out of bowl to glaze meatloaf.

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Easy Meatloaf Glaze Recipe

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 meatloaf glaze is made with just 3 ingredients including BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, with 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.

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I was making meatloaf for my boyfriend and needed a simple sauce. This was great and he loved it.

Karen

Ingredients

Meatloaf sauce ingredients on counter including BBQ sauce, ketchup and brown sugar.
  • Ketchup: This is the base of the sauce and what is most traditionally used in ketchup.
  • BBQ sauce: I love to mix in my homemade BBQ sauce to add a boost of flavor. You can use whatever BBQ sauce you love.
  • 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.

Showing how to make meatloaf sauce by stirring together ingredients in a bowl.

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.

When to Add Meatloaf Sauce

Add the sauce before your meatloaf goes in the oven. This gives it time to caramelize into the surface and keeps the meat moist as it bakes. For the best results, spread on a first coat before baking, then brush on a second layer in the final 10 to 15 minutes. That two-stage method gives you a deeper flavor with a glossy, sticky finish on top.

Spoonful of meatloaf sauce dripping into a bowl before glazing a meatloaf.

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!
  • Garlic powder and onion powder are great flavor enhancers.
Sliced meatloaf topped with sweet and tangy meatloaf glaze on a white oval platter.

Double the meatloaf sauce and use it as a glaze for BBQ chicken or as a dip for my homemade meatballs or baked chicken meatballs.

Favorite Meatloafs to Use with This Sauce

Sliced meatloaf on a white platter with glossy red meatloaf sauce and fresh parsley.

Meatloaf Sauce

4.97 from 60 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8
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!
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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.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

If you prefer a little heat, add in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of chili sauce or sriracha to the meatloaf sauce. 
Store: 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!

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 221mg, Potassium: 64mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 78IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.