Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

6 servings
This simple apricot-glazed meatloaf recipe is a welcome departure from classic meatloaf. Whether served hot out of the oven or cold in a sandwich.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
    1 ½ lb
  • onion

    minced

    1 small
  • bread crumbs
    1 c
  • egg

    beaten

    1 large
  • apricot preserves
    1 ½ tbsp
  • kosher salt
    1 tbsp
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • freshly ground black pepper
    1 ½ tsp
  • ketchup
    1 c
  • apricot preserves
    ½ c
  • brown sugar
    ¼ c
  • hot sauce

    such as frank's red hot ®

    2 tbsp
  • worcestershire sauce
    1 tbsp
  • apple cider vinegar
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, egg, 1 ½ tablespoons apricot preserves, kosher salt, garlic, and black pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Transfer to a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

  3. 3

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, combine ketchup, ½ cup apricot preserves, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cider vinegar in a medium bowl.

  5. 5

    Remove meatloaf from the oven; pour glaze over top. Continue cooking until no longer pink in center, about 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

  6. 6

    Rest meatloaf before serving for 5 minutes.

Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

75 min6 servings483 cal

Similar Recipes

Traditional Meatloaf

Traditional Meatloaf

My daughter hated meat loaf until I made this recipe adapted from other recipes I have read. Now she wants it once a week. I think it is the sweet topping that made the difference.

100 minutes6 servings304 kcal
Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

This easy Smoked Meatloaf recipe is packed with smoky flavor, tender ground meat, and a tangy BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of the meatloaf. Cooked low and slow on a pellet smoker, electric smoker, or propane smoker, this ultimate comfort food turns a traditional meatloaf recipe into the most flavorful meatloaf with a perfect smoke ring in every bite.

3.2 hours8 servings402 kcal
Meatloaf

Meatloaf

How to make the best tender and juicy Meatloaf with a delicious shiny glaze! Cheap, easy and quick to prepare, let the oven do all the work for you! The whole family goes crazy over each slice of this meatloaf recipe.

90 minutes10 servings308 kcal
Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze is easy to make and goes perfectly with my creamy mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli for a dinner everyone will love.

80 minutes8 servings338 kcal
Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

When it comes to making a Classic Meatloaf nobody does it better than Chef Dennis. Flavorful and easy to make at home this American Classic is still bringing smiles to dinner tables around the country.

75 minutes8 servings423 kcal
Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

This Classic Meatloaf is an old favorite in our family. This recipe uses very few ingredients that when brought together, make the best tasting meatloaf you have ever had. People who do not even enjoy meatloaf love this recipe when I make this for them. It yields a tender slice of meatloaf with great flavor and texture. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn for the perfect comfort food Fall dinner.

6 servings
Lipton Meatloaf Recipe

Lipton Meatloaf Recipe

There's a reason the Lipton Meatloaf Recipe has been a secret recipe of moms and grandmas for ages. This family favorite easy meatloaf recipe uses a packet of Lipton soup as a magical ingredient that seasons the loaf to perfection.

70 minutes8 servings359 kcal
Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf Recipe

My homemade meatloaf is tender and juicy on the inside, with a sweet and tangy chili glaze caramelized on top. Made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings, this foolproof recipe is ready in under an hour. It is an easy and comforting meal my whole family loves.

75 minutes8 servings342 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting dinner with a delightful twist? This Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf recipe offers a welcome departure from the ordinary, promising a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for any night.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this meatloaf apart is the vibrant apricot glaze, which infuses every bite with a sweet and tangy brightness, balancing the savory richness of the beef. The true genius here lies in the two applications of apricot preserves: a subtle hint mixed directly into the meatloaf for internal moisture and flavor, and a generous, vibrant glaze that bakes to a glossy, irresistible finish. This dual approach ensures a depth of sweet and savory notes that elevates the simple ground beef into something truly memorable, making it a standout weeknight dinner.

What to Expect

You'll discover a wonderfully tender and juicy meatloaf, imbued with the savory warmth of minced onion and garlic, perfectly seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The texture is always moist thanks to the ground beef, egg, and bread crumbs, creating a comforting foundation. But the star is undoubtedly the glistening, tangy-sweet apricot glaze—a rich concoction of ketchup, more apricot preserves, brown sugar, a touch of hot sauce for balance, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar. This baked-on glaze creates a beautifully caramelized crust, offering a delightful contrast to the succulent interior. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as is, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the apricot preserves in the glaze for peach or orange marmalade. If you prefer a milder kick, reduce the hot sauce, or increase it for extra spice. You can also experiment with different types of bread crumbs for a subtle textural change.

Serving & Context

This hearty meatloaf is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Serve it alongside your favorite mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying spread. It also makes for incredible leftovers, sliced cold for a quick sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions