Lemon Barbecued Meat Loaves
Lemon Barbecued Meat Loaves combine savory ground beef with bright lemon flavor, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground chuck ⓘ
- 4 slices dried bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 6 thin lemon slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground chuck, bread cubes, lemon juice, minced onion, egg, and seasoned salt.
- Mix well and shape into 6 individual loaves.
- Arrange the loaves on a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half the ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken. If you don't have dried bread, fresh bread works too—just toast it lightly before cubing. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon barbecued meat loaves pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes. For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of baked beans. Drizzle extra ketchup over the loaves before serving for added tanginess. For a complete feast, follow up with a slice of Prairie Raisin Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be microwaved for quicker reheating, but the oven method preserves texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Barbecued Meat Loaves contains roughly 558 calories, with 10g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1649mg per serving (72% 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 freeze the meat loaves before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped meat loaves before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, lime juice is a great alternative that will provide a similar tangy flavor. You can also use vinegar, such as apple cider or white vinegar, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten the dish, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. You can also add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture for added nutrients and moisture. Consider using whole-grain bread for a healthier alternative to dried bread.
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).