Ketchup is a popular condiment often used to top meatloaf, providing a sweet and tangy flavor. However, if you find yourself without ketchup, don’t worry! There are plenty of great alternatives you can use to flavor your meatloaf instead.
Tomato Sauce or Pasta Sauce
Tomato-based pasta sauce or tomato sauce can be used in place of ketchup in meatloaf recipes. The tomato flavor provides a similar tanginess and sweetness. Look for plain tomato sauce or marinara sauce without a lot of seasonings added. Use about 1/2 to 1 cup per recipe.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is thick, sweet, and tangy like ketchup, making it an excellent ketchup substitute for meatloaf. Use your favorite barbecue sauce or try options like hickory smoked or brown sugar barbecue sauce. Use around 3/4 cup to 1 cup per meatloaf recipe.
Stewed Tomatoes
Diced or crushed stewed tomatoes add great flavor to meatloaf. If using canned, make sure to drain any excess liquid. The tomatoes provide moisture as well as tangy tomato flavor. Use around 1 cup of stewed tomatoes in place of 1 cup of ketchup.
Chili Sauce
Chili sauce is a blend of tomatoes, chilies, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It provides a similar sweet/tangy flavor as ketchup. Use it in equal amounts as ketchup called for in meatloaf recipes, around 1/2 to 1 cup.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce has a delicious sweet/tart flavor that pairs nicely with savory meats like meatloaf. Opt for whole berry cranberry sauce and add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup to your meatloaf recipe.
Salsa
Chunky tomato salsa can add big flavor to meatloaf. Choose your preferred heat level. Use about 1 cup per meatloaf recipe, adjusting to taste. Make sure to drain off any excess liquid from the salsa before adding to the meat mixture.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce has a savory umami flavor that enhances meat dishes. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons to your meatloaf mix for a flavor boost if you don’t have ketchup. A little goes a long way with Worcestershire sauce.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another savory sauce that can replace some of the umami flavor of ketchup. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to your meatloaf recipe. Be careful of adding too much as it can make the meatloaf quite salty.
Other Tomato Products
In addition to the sauces mentioned already, you can use other tomato products like diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or sun-dried tomatoes. Use about 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup tomato paste, or 1/3 cup rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes in place of 1 cup ketchup.
Conclusion
While ketchup might be the most popular meatloaf topping, there are plenty of readily available substitutes you can use to recreate that sweet and tangy flavor. Tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce are all good options. Experiment with different sauces and tomato products to find your favorite alternative to ketchup for meatloaf.