Do you use catchup on top of your meat loaf?

United States
November 1, 2007 10:03pm CST
Growing up, my mom always put ketchup on top of the meatloaf. It didn't taste very good, but she did it anyway. I guess it was her secret ingredient. She didn't have lots of spare time, so I guess it's the best she could do. Lots of moms used ketchup during the 1970's. Since becoming a mom and home cook, I have switched to making my own meatloaf topping with tomato paste and some Italian herbs and spices. It tastes so much better than plain ketchup. What do you use on top of your meatloaf? Do you use ketchup on your meatloaf or make your own meatloaf topping or gravy? Please share your favorite meatloaf recipe and tips for cooking delicious meatloaf?
5 people like this
10 responses
• United States
2 Nov 07
I dont put anything on top. I take the hamburger and add whostishire sause, A1, and a little bread crumbs. Mix it up real good and shape into a loaf. I cook it and it always turns out so moist. There is never any leftovers when I make meatloaf!
2 people like this
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Ah, thats right. I've done Worcestershire and A1 as well. Sometimes with an onion or mushroom sauce if done right. Sage or rosemary is good too, but it depends on your crowd. Also, its better to have that mixed into the loaf unless you are very excessive with the topping part.
@brendakaya (2332)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I love catsup on my meat loaf. In fact, it's probably my favorite thing about the meatloaf, since I'm not a real big meat loaf fan. I usually add extra catsup to mine, after I put it on my plate. I've never had it the way you fix it. It sounds like it would be good, though.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Not for many years have I added ketchup on top of my meatloaf. I add a can of Cream Of Mushroom soup on top. No water just a can spread over the top. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!`
• United States
2 Nov 07
i will either use ketchup and add some italian spices to it, and usually a bit of red pepper for a "bite" or sometimes i will mix ketchup with some worchestershire sauce. its really good that way, very nice tang.
@alexsis (2149)
• United States
2 Nov 07
No, I don't put ketchup on top of my meatloaf. But I did put tomato paste, Hunt's tomato paste on top. Ketchup on top shouldn't taste too bad since it is a form of tomato. I like to add onions, green bell peppers and parsely to my meatloaf.
• India
2 Nov 07
Oh !........ ketchup on top of the meatloaf and made by my mom i realy miss.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Nov 07
ketchup is one of our ingredients in the meatloaf and we put it on the side to dip it in too. PS - i love tha penguin!
@Michele21 (3093)
• United States
2 Nov 07
My mom always put cetchup on top of her meatloaf too. The only thing I do different is I add bar-b-que sauce to the meatloaf mixture. I don't really go by a recipe, I just add whatever =) I take the meat, add an egg or two, italian bread crumbs (or crumbled up bread) bar-b-que sauce and mix it all up. Once it is almost done cooking I add cheese to the top so it melts in, it is soo yummy!! Then I add catchup on the side because my kids don't like it. The bar-b-que sauce makes it kinda tangy and unique. yummy not you have me wanting meatloaf!!
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
2 Nov 07
i dont use ketchup on my meat loaf,i use brown gravy on top of it.2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 1/4 c. packaged bread crumbs 2 tbsp. bottled steak sauce 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. prepared spicy brown mustard 1 tsp. leaf basil, crumbled 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 c. water 1/3 c. milk 1/2 tsp. liquid gravy browner 1. Place beef, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, steak sauce, parsley, mustard, basil, salt and pepper in large bowl. Combine water, milk and gravy browner in small bowl; add to meat; mix well. Shape into 9 x 5 x 1 1/2-inch loaf. 2. Place loaf in center of microwave-safe 11 x 7 x 2-inch casserole or bake-roast pan so loaf does not touch sides of casserole. Smooth with wet hands.my mom got this receipe from online and your meat loaf comes out so moist and so tasty,its great.i never have any left when i make this.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I use Ketchup, Catsup is too sweet. I also use tomato paste, a tomato blend or a pasta sauce depending on the type of meatloaf I'm fixing. Other times I top with garlic mixture/garlic sauce, gravy, cheeses, onion mixture, mushroom sauce, red pepper (yes separately! Just have to clarify) Here's a version of Italian Meatloaf Italian Meatloaf 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs 1/2 cup tomato spaghetti sauce 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning 2 teaspoons of dried oregano 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon of dried oregano 1 tablespoon of dried basil 1 tablespoon of minced garlic 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper 1 1/2 cups of diced tomatoes, drained 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup of ricotta cheese 1/2 cup of parmesean cheese Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, mix together ground beef, eggs, italian seasoning, oregano, bread crumbs and tomato sauce. Press into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Season the top with Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, garlic, red pepper, diced tomatoes and finally cheeses. Cover with a suitable oven safe cover or loosely with foil. Bake in the preheated oven approximately 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). **An alternate**: Mix in the remaining ingredients into the loaf if you wish. Leave enough oregano, tomatoes and cheeses to have a topping though and thats if you prefer that.