Meatloaf Topping - Master Cookbook Recipe # 601
Every great meatloaf needs a signature glaze, and this is the one we swear by at Collard Valley Cooks! It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, caramelizing beautifully in the oven to create that iconic topping everyone loves. It’s so simple to whip up, yet it completely transforms a humble meatloaf into a family favorite.
This is recipe #601 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, light brown sugar, and onion powder until the sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Apply to Meatloaf: Pour and spread the topping evenly over your meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking. This allows the sugars to caramelize without burning.
- Alternative Use: If you are using this sauce as a topping for hamburger steaks or burgers, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave for 1 minute before serving to take the chill off and meld the flavors.
Notes
Tammy's Tips
While this is our "go-to" for meatloaf, don't be afraid to try it on a hamburger steak for a quick weeknight dinner! The light brown sugar gives it a much richer, deeper flavor than just using plain ketchup. If you like a little extra zing, you can always add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar, but as written, it’s a classic Southern crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.