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Sweet and Sour Meatloaf (sometimes called Dutch Meatloaf) ~ a tangy, juicy meatloaf covered in a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, mustard, vinegar and brown sugar.
About 31 years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a recipe for meatloaf and also a recipe for Pound Cake. My own mother made … uhh … very dry meatloaf and I never liked it. But my mom was a terrific cook – go figure! This might be where my lifelong dislike for ground beef began. I’m not usually a big fan of ground beef casseroles, hamburgers, taco meat, etc. You get the idea.
However, this meatloaf is something I do like and have been making for over 31 years. I make it several times a year and, each time it’s on the table, my husband happily devours it often eating leftovers for breakfast. Talk about meatloaf sandwiches! This makes the best sandwiches ever. No joke!
This is a darn good meatloaf.
You won’t believe how incredibly delicious it smells while cooking. If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s easy, inexpensive, tastes delicious, and smells amazingly yummy, please give it a try! This is a classic comfort food and great served with mashed potatoes.
There are two super-easy parts to this recipe. The first is the meatloaf and the second is the sauce. Once you mix the meatloaf together, pop it in the oven while you prepare the sauce. The sauce takes all of two minutes to whisk together, in fact, the prep time on this recipe is about 15 minutes total!
Finally, surprise your meatloaf loving family with this tasty version of the classic American dinner. Be sure to serve with mashed potatoes … the sauce is like tomato gravy!
Don’t forget to PIN for later!
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6
Course: Main Course
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf (sometimes called Dutch Meatloaf) ~ a tangy, juicy meatloaf covered in an easy sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, mustard, vinegar and brown sugar.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef 85-90% lean
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I used Progresso Italian Style)
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup classic yellow mustard
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a casserole dish large enough to hold the meatloaf and the sauce (about 4 quarts).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf. Form into a fairly tight loaf and place in the center of the casserole dish . Place the uncovered meatloaf in the oven while preparing the sauce.
- In the same bowl used to mix the meatloaf, combine all the sauce ingredients. Whisk to combine. Carefully pour the sauce over the top of the meatloaf in the oven. Bake at 350℉ for 1½ hours (do not cover.)
- Allow the meatloaf to rest 15 minutes before serving. Great served with mashed potatoes!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1045mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 5mg
Here are a few more meatloaf recipes you may like:
- 1770 House Meatloaf with Garlic Sauce ~ from The Food Charlatan
- Bourbon Glazed Meatloaf ~ from The View from Great Island
- Barbecue Bacon Jalapeño Meatloaf – from Foodie with Family
- Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze ~ from Barefeet in the Kitchen
- Turkey Meatloaf ~ from Melanie Makes
(Originally posted January, 2011. All photos, text and recipe updated March 2017)
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Tricia
Susan
I usually end up making frikadellers when I have ground beef on hand since that is what I grew up eating and haven’t made an actually meatloaf in ages. I never made a meatloaf with sauce before and would love to give your recipe a try, Tricia. Actually, the sauce would be really good on my frikadellers too!
Tricia Buice
Well I learned something totally new today Susan! Thanks for mentioning the frikadellers – I will have to check them out on your blog. I love learning about food and traditions and the genesis behind all these amazing recipes! Thanks – have a great weekend.
Abbe@This is How I Cook
This looks so good. My mom’s meatloaf turned out different each time so now I mostly stick to the same recipe. I do try new ones, but Capn Crunch meat loaf is my favorite. Love this one, too! The vinegar in the sauce must taste great. I always plan for leftovers because we love meat loaf sandwiches! Beautiful Tricia!
Tricia Buice
The vinegar makes this sauce Abbe – hope you try it 🙂
Rebecca {foodie with family}
This looks so perfectly perfect! The texture is gorgeous!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Rebecca! It’s a delicious meatloaf with a killer sauce 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs
I never liked my mother’s meatloaf either — that dry thing. Kinda flavorless, too. 🙁 Anyway, this looks like the polar opposite! Good recipe — I gotta try this. Thanks!
Tricia Buice
Haha John – we’re in the same meatloaf boat! Hope you try this one – it is special and delicious. Thanks!
Wendy
I am so glad that you posted your eye-catching photo of this meatloaf on Facebook this morning! Having all the very simple ingredients in the house, we had the meatloaf for dinner tonight! It’s delicious and a keeper! The sauce not only adds flavor, but keeps the meat moist. Thanks for sharing your family recipe, Tricia!
Tricia Buice
Outstanding! Thank you so much for making it and for the feedback Wendy. So glad you liked it too – it’s a family favorite in our house. Have a terrific week!
sippitysup
I am sooo into this. Simply astounding. Gorgeous photos as well. GREG
Tricia Buice
Thanks very much Greg 🙂 Enjoy!!!
Gerlinde
Meatloaf is a big hit in my family and I’ve made it many times over the years. It’s always fun to find new recipes . I love your version, especially the sauce. Have a great week.
Tricia Buice
The sauce is the star of this recipe Gerlinde – hope you’ll give it a try! Thanks so much 🙂
cheri
Sounds like this recipe has been in your family for a long time. My husband loves meatloaf sandwiches, this is one meal that you would want plenty of leftovers.
Tricia Buice
Yes leftovers are pretty great Cheri. What is it with men and meatloaf sandwiches? Funny but true!
Monica
Looks delicious – love not only how moist it is but also all that sauce as a bonus. I made meatloaf a couple of times and my husband loves it; my son, not as much. I would love to try this – the sweet and sour balance is right up my alley. Have a great week!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Monica – if you son likes ketchup, he’ll love this recipe 🙂 Have a terrific week!
Monique
Your pics are priceless..stars in the universe.
And do you ever stop? LOL
This looks great..I wasn’t raised on meatloaf ..and I think I have made 5 in 45 yrs..Martha’s ..a Marcella Hazan one..never call it meatloaf though;) and some bacon ones..etc..I must say this sauce sounds like something I would love..ready to give it another try:)
Tricia Buice
You are so sweet Monique – and I hope you try this recipe! It has great flavor and is always a favorite. Thank you so much!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
I am a meatloaf girl, plain and simple. It was my favorite meal growing up, I requested it on my birthday every year! This sweet and sour sounds incredible ~ my mouth is watering 🙂 Pinning and sharing all around!
Tricia Buice
You have some awesome meatloaf recipes on your blog Sue – I want to try them all! Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Absolutely beautiful and I love meatloaf (as does my man 🙂 I still make my Mom’s meatloaf, but always anxious to try new ones, so I’ll be putting this on the menu soon!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Jennifer! Hope you both love it too.
Chris Scheuer
Tricia, this looks amazing and such a unique twist on meatloaf. I love all those old time, tried and true family recipes!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Chris! It’s a family favorite for sure. Hope you both are doing well.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
Your meatloaf looks really juicy and tender, Tricia, but the sauce makes the dish..I LOVE sweet and tangy flavours.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Angie – I love this flavor combination too! Have a lovely week 🙂
tanna
Evan loves meatloaf. This one might make me love it, too. 😉 blessings ~ tanna
Tricia Buice
Haha – meatloaf does seem to be man food – but this lady likes it too! Have a wonderful week Tanna and thanks!
Sue/the view from great island
You've totally got me with this one, Tricia. I've never made a meatloaf with a sauce, I'm excited to try this.
Fledderjohann
This is the first of your blog entries I've read…and it was Aunt Edith's Dutch Meatloaf! Mother made it, too, and it was always a family favorite! Thanks, and it's good to know I'll be able to connect with you regularly.
SuzieQ
My dear children used to call meatloaf,"alpo"!!!