Hearty Michael Symon Meatloaf Recipe with Savory Depth

Michael Symon’s meatloaf delivers a symphony of rustic flavors that dance across your palate with bold intensity.

Comfort food reaches new heights through this masterful blend of ground meats and aromatic seasonings.

Simple ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece that speaks directly to the soul.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe celebrates home cooking at its finest.

Robust spices weave through the meat, creating layers of depth and complexity.

Each forkful promises a journey of rich, memorable taste sensations.

This meatloaf isn’t just a meal, it’s a warm embrace of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will have everyone craving seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

• Ketchup: Choose a rich, tangy variety for deeper flavor complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses undertone.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Select aged sauce for enhanced umami depth.
• Mustard: Pick whole grain or Dijon for extra texture and zest.
• Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar for subtle fruity notes.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground offers more robust, aromatic flavor.

• Ground Meat: Select lean blend with 80/20 fat ratio for juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for lighter, crispier texture.
• Chopped Onion: Fresh, sweet onions provide maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant green herbs enhance overall freshness.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver more intense flavor.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust heat level to personal preference.
• Paprika: Smoked variety adds deeper complexity.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic blend providing maritime warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper recommended.
• Optional Kielbasa: High-quality sausage adds smoky richness.

Tools You’ll Need for Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meat and seasonings thoroughly.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking together tangy glaze ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Whisk: Essential for blending glaze smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, parsley, and slicing meatloaf.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum foil: For lining baking sheet and wrapping garlic.
• Grilling tray or foil pan: Optional for outdoor cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Prepare Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

• Craft Zesty Glaze

Create a bold flavor explosion by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and a sprinkle of black pepper in a medium bowl. Let the mixture sit and develop its tangy personality.

• Prepare Cooking Zone

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F or set your grill to medium heat. For gas grills, create a temperature gradient by keeping one side medium and the other low. Charcoal grill enthusiasts should arrange hot coals to one side for perfect indirect cooking.

• Mix Flavor-Packed Meat Blend

In a large bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, fresh parsley, and a symphony of spices including cayenne, paprika, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and minced garlic. Blend ingredients until they dance together harmoniously, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the taste.

• Shape and Glaze Masterpiece

Transfer the meat mixture to a foil-lined tray, sculpting it into a gorgeous loaf. For an extra twist, consider nestling a kielbasa in the center. Lavishly coat the entire surface with the tangy glaze prepared earlier, ensuring every inch is covered in flavor.

• Cook to Perfection

Bake or grill the meatloaf for about an hour, cooking on the cooler side if using a grill. Watch for the internal temperature to hit 160°F and the glaze to transform into a sticky, caramelized work of art. The goal is a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed centerpiece.

• Serve and Savor

Slice the meatloaf with pride and serve alongside roasted potatoes, a crisp salad, warm sandwich bread, or creamy mashed vegetables. Each bite promises a burst of incredible flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Tips for Meatloaf

• Meat Mix Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a combination for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Glaze Genius: Customize the tangy glaze by adding hot sauce, maple syrup, or bourbon for extra depth and personal flair.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture to increase nutritional value and moisture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal preparation.

Meatloaf Serving Ideas

• Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair the hearty meatloaf with roasted potatoes, creating a delightful combination of crispy exterior and soft interior that perfectly complements the meat's rich flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Elements: Add a crisp green salad on the side to balance the meatloaf's richness, bringing a light and refreshing contrast to the meal that cleanses the palate.
• Create Sandwich Magic: Transform leftover meatloaf into delicious sandwiches by slicing thinly and placing between fresh bread, adding a layer of roasted garlic paste for an extra flavor kick.
• Elevate with Roasted Garlic: Spread the optional roasted garlic paste on top of slices or mix into mashed vegetables, adding a deep, mellow sweetness that takes the dish to new culinary heights.

How to Store Meatloaf Properly

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to deepen and develop.
• Smart Portion Control: Slice the entire meatloaf and store individual portions in airtight containers, making quick reheating and grab-and-go meals super convenient for busy weekdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap unbaked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, maintaining optimal texture and taste.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches, crumble into pasta sauces, or dice and add to breakfast hash for creative meal variations that prevent food waste and keep meals exciting.

Hearty Michael Symon Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s meatloaf delivers hearty comfort with Cleveland-style flair. Home cooks can easily craft this savory dish using simple ingredients and classic techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) ground beef
• 8 oz (226 g) smoked sausage (kielbasa), optional
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 head roasted garlic, mashed
• 1 cup peeled and grated yellow onion
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider or sherry vinegar
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Old Bay spice mix
• 3 heads garlic
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Glaze Preparation: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Thermal Configuration: Heat oven or grill to 375°F (190°C), arranging cooking surface with asymmetric heat zones for optimal cooking performance.
3. Meat Mixture Assembly: Thoroughly blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, cayenne, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and garlic. Incorporate kielbasa if desired, ensuring complete encapsulation within the meat mixture.
4. Loaf Formation: Craft a uniform loaf shape, meticulously spreading the prepared glaze across the entire exterior to create a rich, caramelized coating.
5. Cooking Process: Roast the meatloaf for approximately 60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160°F (71°C). Simultaneously, if desired, roast whole garlic heads at 400°F (204°C) wrapped in foil with olive oil for an optional flavor enhancement.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling moisture retention and structural stabilization. Slice and plate with roasted potatoes, fresh salad, or prepare as a gourmet sandwich filling.

Notes

• Master the Meat Mixture: Thoroughly mix ingredients by hand to prevent overworking, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense. Gentle mixing ensures a tender, juicy result.
• Control Glaze Caramelization: Watch the glaze closely during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The sugars can quickly transform from glossy to charred if unattended.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the 160°F safety zone. This prevents undercooking while maintaining the meatloaf’s succulent texture.
• Rest and Recover: Let the meatloaf sit for exactly 10 minutes after cooking. This crucial resting period allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice remains moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg