This is by far my favorite Meatloaf recipe that uses tomato sauce. Enhance your dinner experience by cooking this tasty meatloaf. Learn the secrets to making the perfect meatloaf by reading below.
Proteins like ground beef, chicken, and pork are the best meats when making meatloaf. Macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or even rice are all equally delicious additions. You can even use rice to make meatloaf. Cooking rice with other ingredients, like onion, garlic, and spices, may result in a delicious and flavorful meatloaf.
Best Substitutes for Ketchup in Meatloaf
If you do not like ketchup, there are a few substitutes you can use for Meatloaf. You can even transform the taste in your Meatloaf by incorporating these different condiments. The best substitutes for ketchup when cooking meatloaf is BBQ Sauce, Mayonnaise, Mushroom sauce, and cheese!
A tomato sauce adds a lot of flavor to the dish. It’s also the best way to keep the ingredients from turning rubbery. You could use one-fourth cup tomato sauce instead of the entire jar of ketchup.

Why Do You Put Milk In Meatloaf?
Adding milk to the meatloaf mixture adds moisture to the loaf. The moist loaf is a hit with meatloaf lovers. There are many ways to choose a meatloaf recipe. To make sure the meatloaf has a tender texture, use lean meat. Avoid using beef or pork because the high sodium content and fat level will take a toll on the taste of the meatloaf.
Cook meatloaf with flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, spices, and seasonings. You can use these ingredients individually or mix them. However, if you use all of them, then the meatloaf will be more delicious and juicy.
You can also use an oven-safe pan. In a loaf pan, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. The loaf should be about the same size as your pan.
Should I Cook Meatloaf Covered Or Uncovered?
Meatloaf can be cooked under and uncovered. So you can use both methods. Meatloaf is a classic dish. If you choose to cook it uncovered, then make sure the pan is not too hot. You may like to place a baking sheet underneath the meatloaf to avoid an unexpected domino effect when the meatloaf hits the oven door and flies off the pan. A meatloaf pan without a door will work fine. If you choose to cook the meatloaf uncovered, make sure it is brushed with a glaze to avoid sticking to the pan. I like the topping on my meatloaf, but I don’t think it is appropriate. Instead of the topping, there are many delicious recipes out there, and you can also make your own topping or dip in the sauce.
What Can I Use Instead Of Barbecue Sauce?
Ketchup is one of the perfect ways to give you the wonderful barbecue flavor of BBQ sauce with the addition of meatloaf. You can combine the barbecue sauce with the meatloaf and keep the final taste consistent. Here’s a list of substitutes for BBQ sauce.
- Seafood sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Plum sauce
- Dry rub
Can I Substitute Ketchup for Salsa?
The perfect combination is when tomatoes are blended with tomato salsa. If you love salsa and want to make it more delicious, you can use ketchup instead of salsa. It will increase the taste of the dish.
Are we missing out on any crucial ingredients? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to know which recipes you would love to try and which one you may have already tried.

Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef lean
- 1½ cups bread crumbs from soft bread, torn
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 1 can of tomato sauce 15 oz
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 white onion chopped
- ½ can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Add in breadcrumbs, egg, half can of tomato sauce, sea salt, pepper, and onion. Mix well using hands.
- Form meat into a loaf and place in baking pan. Make glaze by combining tomato sauce, water, dijon mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Pour glaze on top of meatloaf, load in oven. Bake for 1 hour or when temp. reaches 160 degreeds.
Nutrition

Get the latest recipes, reviews, & more!
Join our TOP FOOD priority list to keep up with the latest news, recipes, reviews & more! Get Inspired & be inspiring.