Best Sauce for Meatloaf

Ah, meatloaf. So simple yet so, so controversial. To some people it’s an unappealing hunk of ground beef (basically, a meat door stop). But to others, it’s pure comfort—a filling meal that sticks to your ribs and just happens to taste excellent with instant mashed potatoes and vegetables that were steamed in the microwave. Well, this list of the best sauce for meatloaf is for people in both camps. If you think meatloaf is bad, these sauces will make it better. If you think meatloaf is great, look, we’re just giving you a few new ways to enjoy something that slaps. Whether you’re looking for a unique glaze or something to moisten the meat if—whoops—you overcooked your loaf, you’ll find a best sauce for meatloaf for you, from jazzed-up ketchup to the best BBQ sauce for meatloaf.

Heinz Chipotle Ketchup

Sure, everyone knows that ketchup is a fine glaze for meatloaf. In fact, you could say it’s a great glaze if we look at history as an indicator. And as much as I love classic Heinz for many things, I’m willing to admit that it can be a bit boring. Heinz Chipotle ketchup, on the other hand, is anything but. This smoky concoction is a great substitute for the classic to add a little more interest and nuance to the situation. Use it as a glaze if you’re ready to go full-tilt boogie with a smoky blanket for your loaf—or use as a dip if you want to test the chipotle-flavored waters a bit before you commit.

Read the full ranking of the best ketchup

Brooklyn Delhi Curry Ketchup

If Heinz Chipotle ketchup was a step away from tradition, Brooklyn Delhi Curry Ketchup is a giant leap. But it’s a leap in the right direction. It’s easy to get lost in the simplicity of a dish made mostly of ground beef, but this ketchup brings a beautiful harmony of roasted garlic, chiles, and ginger to the dish. Is there already garlic in any good meatloaf? Sure. But take me out back and retire me if I ever turn down more garlic. As with the last ketchup on our list of the best sauce for meatloaf, slather this on before you bake your loaf or use it as a dip—either way you’ll be happy!

Read the full ranking of the best ketchup

Famous Dave’s Sweet & Zesty BBQ Sauce

Famous Dave is a hometown hero for a Midwesterner like me, but if you’re looking for a good sauce for your meatloaf, you’ll want to reach for it, too. Dave’s Sweet & Zesty BBQ Sauce is an amazing addition to your next meatloaf because its rich thickness allows your loaf to get the best coverage possible while delivering a beautiful flavor to boot. Think about it: If it’s good enough to coat a rack of ribs, then it’s sure to liven up slices of meatloaf. This is the best BBQ sauce for meatloaf, if I do say so myself.

Read the full ranking of the best BBQ sauce

Woeber’s Sandwich Pal Horseradish Sauce

No one tell Woeber that we’re going rogue and using their “sandwich pal” horseradish sauce as a sauce for meatloaf instead. If you love meatloaf’s simplicity but want to really switch things up, a nice horseradish sauce is perfect. And Woeber’s is nice. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has plenty of that spicy horseradish bite. Dunk your chunks of meatloaf into a saucer of Woeber’s horseradish sauce and pretend it’s a juicy, decadent prime rib. Even the meatloaf haters will love this combo.

Read the full ranking of the best horseradish sauce

McCormick Brown Gravy Mix

Gravy made from a mix might seem like a step down from the other sauces on this list. But just because this comes in powder form doesn’t mean it isn’t dang delicious. There’s nothing more delicious on a thick slab of beef than a puddle of brown gravy, and McCormick brown gravy is incredibly delicious (and, yes, very easy to make). It’s thick and beefy tasting and has enough savory flavor to bring even the blandest meatloaf to life. If you just want a nice, traditional, good time, reach for a bottle of Heinz ketchup for your glaze and finish it off with a packet of McCormick’s brown gravy.

Read the full ranking of the best store bought gravy