Lemon Barbecue Meat Loaf
A flavorful meatloaf infused with lemon, topped with tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings seeking a savory, citrusy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 4 slices stale bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. allspice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves (optional) ⓘ
- 6 thin lemon slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cubed bread, lemon juice, minced onion, beaten egg, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into six small loaves.
- Place the loaves in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or diced bell peppers. If you don't have stale bread, fresh bread can be used, just reduce the amount of liquid slightly. For a twist, swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adjust the seasonings to your taste for a more personalized flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Barbecue Meat Loaf with a side of Easy Barbecue Beans for a hearty meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced plate. A dollop of extra ketchup or a homemade barbecue sauce on top adds extra flavor. This dish also works well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated, which helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Barbecue Meat Loaf contains roughly 666 calories, with 11g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to the different fat content, so check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
To make this meatloaf gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or oats instead of regular bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, like ketchup and seasonings, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked shaped loaves or cooked slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).