Meatloaf may very well be at the top of the comfort food list and it’s definitely a family favorite in our house, so when I make it, I want it to be the absolute best — this simple meatloaf glaze ensures just that.
No matter what type of meatloaf you plan to make, this all-purpose meatloaf glaze will taste amazing and perfectly complement the meat. It can also easily be modified for any personal preference.
And? Bonus: In addition to using it to sauce the top of your meatloaf, it can also be used in a meatloaf mixture to season it and it’s great for adding moisture, particularly if you’re using lean ground beef. If a recipe calls for ketchup or tomato sauce, swap this glaze for that same amount.
If you’ve been looking for a great way to add a little pizzazz to your meatloaf, look no further — this is the perfect way to make the most flavorful meatloaf.
What is Meatloaf Glaze?
Meatloaf glaze is a mixture of simple ingredients from common condiments like Worcestershire and ketchup to essential seasonings like salt and pepper. You can whip it up quickly, top your meatloaf with it, and bake. It’s the best way to transform your good meatloaf into a great meatloaf.
Why You’ll Love Meatloaf Glaze
This quick glaze is easy to love!
- Sweet and Savory – What’s special about this glaze is that it has elements that are sweet and savory so it’s a balanced sauce, as opposed to a simple ketchup glaze.
- Tons of Uses – From slathering on burgers or grilled and smoked meats to simmering cocktail meatballs in it, there are lots of ways to use this sauce beyond meatloaf.
- Super Simple – It takes only one bowl and a mere minute or so to make this easy sauce.
Ingredients
Many of these ingredients may already be in your fridge or pantry, which makes it an easy sauce to whip up on the fly.
- Ketchup – The tomato-based condiment gives the glaze a boost of sweet flavor and a little bit of tanginess.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar also sweetens the sauce and helps to give it molasses-like flavor as it caramelizes while cooking.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This versatile sauce balances out the sauce and imparts umami flavor.
- Garlic Powder – This simple seasoning adds savory flavor to the glaze.
- Onion Powder – Using onion powder makes it easier to mix it evenly into the glaze.
- Coarse Kosher Salt – Just a bit of salt brings out all of the rich flavor of the Worcestershire and the sweetness of the sugar and ketchup.
- Ground Black Pepper – Pepper rounds out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds just a touch of subtle heat.
What To Serve With Meatloaf Glaze
Meatloaf glaze is obviously great on meatloaf, so try it on any easy meatloaf recipe. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
- Crockpot Meatloaf
- Southwest Meatloaf
- Italian Chicken Meatloaf
- French Onion Meatloaf
- Meatloaf Muffins
- Guinness and Cheddar Meatloaf
- Italian Meatloaf
This sweet and savory sauce can also be used for homemade meatballs, and on burgers made of beef, turkey, or ground pork. It’s also delicious on hot dogs or sausage, or even as a glaze for grilled chicken or baked pork chops. And, feel free to spoon it over your side dishes for your meatloaf, from green beans to mashed potatoes.
How to Make Meatloaf Glaze
Making this simple sauce to top your meatloaf is super easy!
- Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and stir together until completely combined.
- Spread onto meatloaf. Using a butter knife, spoon, or offset spatula, spread the mixture over top of the meatloaf.
- Bake. Place the meatloaf in a preheated oven and bake until it reaches the desired internal temperature on an instant read thermometer, then serve.
Variations
This glaze is a great base for you to build on or change.
- Sweetener – You can swap brown sugar for honey or agave or even use grape jelly for cocktail meatballs.
- Barbecue Sauce – For a super zesty meatloaf topping, use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup
- Reserve – Make a little extra sauce and keep it on the side to use after the meatloaf has been baked. Note: To avoid contamination, place the extra sauce in a separate bowl before using a spoon or other tool to dip into it to apply to the meatloaf.
- Mustard – For a tangy glaze, try adding yellow mustard. You can also add white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Spices and Herbs – Mix in Italian seasoning, finely chopped fresh parsley, or other spices and herbs that you like.
- Heat – For some spiciness, try adding chili sauce, red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
- Balsamic – Make a balsamic brown sugar glaze by replacing some of the ketchup with balsamic vinegar. Adjust the other ingredients as necessary to achieve the right texture.
Storage
Since this sauce is so easy to store, you can keep it around for whenever you need it!
Make Ahead: You can easily make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf glaze in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container or the original mixing bowl covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Note: This is storage for the glaze only. Meatloaf itself lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze meatloaf sauce for up to 3 months in a resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
Common Questions About Meatloaf Glaze
Meatloaf glaze is a combination of condiments like Worcestershire Sauce and ketchup with other ingredients like salt, pepper, and a sweetener. Ingredients for meatloaf glaze are probably already in your kitchen, or are easy to find at the grocery store.
Of course you can use meat glazes on any type of meat (or other proteins like seafood) but you can also brush it onto veggies, too.
Glaze helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. The sugar in the glaze also helps to create a bit of a crust.
More Homemade Sauces
We love delicious savory sauces. Here are a few favorites.
Meatloaf Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- dash of black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion power, salt and black pepper.
- Spread on top of meatloaf and cook according to recipe instructions.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
The glaze on the meatloaf is everything, if you ask me. 😉 Can’t wait to try this the next time I make meatloaf.
That’s what I’m talking about! I already love making glaze for meatloaf because I use it on my chicken and pork, too. Your version is a little different than mine, so I can’t wait to make it!
This was delicious! By far the best part of the meatloaf 😉
When do you put the glaze on the meatloaf as it’s cooking or halfway
It depends- I prefer to put mine on halfway through cooking so the top can get browned.
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Was the perfect touch of flavor to a classic dish; definitely, the best way to enjoy meatloaf!
Meatloaf glaze is THE BEST! I usually just mix some ketchup, yellow mustard and brown sugar together and slather over uncooked meatloaf! I’m def going to try your version. Thanks!
Super simple and very good.
I will use it again I am sure
So good tSting
I made a turkey meatloaf in the slow cooker. Once it was done, I put this glaze on top and put it under the broiler for a few minutes. It was just the right finish to the meatloaf and added the perfect flavor. Thanks!
Awesome! That is what we love to hear!
Love the Sweet & Savory flavor of this glaze!! It works great on any meatloaf!!