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Barbecue Meatloaf with a Lemon Twist

Barbecue Meatloaf with a Lemon Twist

A delicious twist on a classic meatloaf combines smoky barbecue flavors with a bright hint of lemon for a refreshing finish. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

★★★★★5(8 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 45 min
Total Time 55 min
Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/12

What Makes This Recipe So Great

This dish combines the smoky richness of barbecue with a bright, zesty lemon flavor that keeps it fresh and exciting. It’s a comforting meal that feels homemade but has a unique twist. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Pro Kitchen Tips

- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to get the best citrus flavor.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.

Step 1

Lightly heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or something similar. In a big bowl, combine the ground beef with lemon juice, water, the egg, bread, chopped onion, and seasoning salt. Mix everything together well, then shape the mixture into six large balls—I like to make them nice and hearty. Arrange these on the baking dish.

Step 2

Pop the dish in the oven and let the meatloaves bake for about 15 minutes while you whip up the topping. For the sauce, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard powder, allspice, and cloves in a small bowl until smooth. Spoon this over each meatloaf, then place a lemon slice on top of each one.

Step 3

Put the dish back in the oven and bake for another 30 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked through and the topping is bubbly. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy that bright lemon flavor with your barbecue twist!

Serving Combinations

Serve with classic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well and adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Reheating And Storage

Cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
135
people cooked this recipe
AK
By Ayesha Khan
Home Cooking Expert
Ayesha shares simple recipes with clear steps to help you cook confidently at home.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

320 Calories
Fat
18 g
Carbs
15 g
Protein
22 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
7 g
Sodium
600 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (8)

5 out of 5
★★★★★
8 Ratings
5 star
8
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Rate This Recipe

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

User Reviews

Pavel
★★★★★
Mar 25, 2026
Me and my wife loved it. The citrus twist was unexpected but really worked. Will make again for sure.
Ivan M.
★★★★★
Mar 14, 2026
This recipe was a hit for dinner. Nice balance of smoky and tangy flavors, and the texture was just right.
Lila M.
★★★★★
Mar 06, 2026
Made this for a casual weekend lunch. Simple prep and the lemon flavor was a great addition. Everyone asked for seconds!
Tomasz
★★★★★
Mar 01, 2026
Loved the fresh lemon flavor mixed with BBQ. Super simple and leftovers were just as good the next day.
Yasmin
★★★★★
Feb 10, 2026
I was surprised how easy it was and the lemon made it stand out from usual meatloaf recipes. Will make again!
Omar
★★★★★
Feb 06, 2026
Really enjoyed the tangy hint from the lemon. The meatloaf was tender and juicy, will definitely make it again soon.
Hana
★★★★★
Jan 27, 2026
Moist, flavorful, and not dry at all. The lemon twist surprised me in a good way. Perfect for casual dinners.
Kai
★★★★★
Jan 19, 2026
Super simple to make and everyone enjoyed it. I added a bit of extra pepper for spice and it worked great.
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