Quick & Juicy Michael Symon Meatloaf Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Michael Symon’s meatloaf ignites comfort food cravings with its robust blend of savory ingredients and hearty essence.

Classic comfort demands bold seasonings that transform simple ground meat into something extraordinary.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that elevate everyday ingredients into memorable meals.

Each carefully selected component contributes depth and character to this beloved dish.

Spices dance through the mixture, creating layers of warmth and complexity.

Tender and succulent, this meatloaf represents culinary craftsmanship at its most approachable level.

Gathering around the table becomes a celebration of straightforward, delicious cooking: prepare to savor every bite.

Alternative Approaches to Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

• Spicy Chorizo Meatloaf: Replace kielbasa with spicy chorizo and add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and use a za'atar-infused glaze for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Option: Wrap the entire meatloaf with thin bacon strips before baking, creating a crispy exterior and adding rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Vegetable-Loaded Version: Incorporate finely diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini into the meat mixture to boost nutritional value and add extra moisture and texture.

Last Reflection on Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

Michael Symon’s meatloaf masterpiece elevates classic comfort cuisine with bold, unexpected flavors.

Smoky spices and caramelized garlic create a symphony of robust taste sensations.

Home cooks can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Layers of complexity dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Meatloaf lovers will appreciate this gourmet interpretation of traditional home cooking.

All recipe enthusiasts should savor this delectable creation, share its deliciousness across social media platforms, comment with personal twists, and spread culinary joy to fellow passionate kitchen adventurers.

Why Michael Symon’s Meatloaf Stands Out

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Michael Symon's meatloaf transforms the traditional homestyle dish into a gourmet experience with bold, layered flavors and unexpected ingredients like kielbasa and roasted garlic.
• Flexible Cooking Options: This recipe offers versatility by allowing oven or grill preparation, giving home cooks the freedom to choose their preferred cooking method without compromising taste or texture.
• Flavor-Packed Glaze Magic: The homemade glaze combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements like brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, creating a sticky, caramelized coating that elevates the entire meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary.

Must-Have Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

• Ground Beef, Kielbasa Sausage: Rich, hearty base for the meatloaf, choose high-quality meat with good fat content for juiciness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together, provides structure and moisture.

• Onion, Parsley, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and complexity to the meatloaf's flavor profile.
• Cayenne, Paprika, Old Bay, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a robust and balanced seasoning mix.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and enhances overall meaty flavor.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard, Vinegar: Sweet and tangy glaze components that caramelize during cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and create a tender texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting garlic, adds richness and helps caramelize.

Steps to Create Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

Step 1: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Vinegar
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together and set aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare a grill with medium heat. For gas grills, set one side to medium and the other to low. For charcoal grills, arrange hot coals on one side of the grill.

Step 3: Set Up Cooking Tray

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If grilling, use a sturdy grilling tray or disposable foil pan to prevent drips.

Step 4: Blend Meatloaf Mixture

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Fresh parsley
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Old Bay seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Eggs
• Minced garlic

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Shape and Glaze Meatloaf

Transfer meat mixture to the prepared tray. Shape into a loaf, optionally adding kielbasa in the center. Completely cover the top with the prepared glaze from Step 1.

Step 6: Cook Meatloaf

Bake in the oven or grill on the cooler side, covered, for approximately 1 hour. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.

Step 7: Roast Garlic (Optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove outer skin from garlic heads, cut top 1/4 inch off. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 1 hour until soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze garlic cloves and mash into a paste.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Roasted potatoes
• Fresh salad
• Sandwich bread
• Mashed vegetables

Helpful Tips for Michael Symon’s Meatloaf

• Capture Flavor Depth: Wrap roasted garlic heads completely in foil to prevent burning and achieve soft, sweet caramelization.
• Temperature Precision: Insert meat thermometer to confirm 160°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe cooking without moisture loss.
• Slice Smoothly Strategy: Allow meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking, enabling better structural integrity and easier cutting.
• Preservation Technique: Seal leftover meatloaf tightly, refrigerating up to 4 days or freezing for 3 months to maintain quality and convenience.
• Culinary Creativity: Mix ground beef and pork for enhanced moisture, creating a more complex and succulent meatloaf experience that delights taste buds with unexpected richness.

Keeping Michael Symon’s Meatloaf Fresh

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in flavor and prevent freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. Carefully place leftover meatloaf in vacuum-seal bags, removing all air to maintain moisture and texture.
• Glass Container Strategy: Opt for glass containers with tight-fitting lids for maximum freshness. These containers prevent odor transfer and keep your meatloaf crisp and delicious. Glass also allows easy reheating without transferring to another dish, saving you cleanup time.
• Portioning Technique: Slice meatloaf into individual servings before storing. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This smart approach lets you thaw exactly what you need, reducing waste and maintaining optimal taste when reheating.

Michael Symon Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Michael Symon’s legendary meatloaf combines ground beef, pork, and veal with a tangy glaze that elevates classic comfort cuisine. Hearty flavors and nostalgic charm make this dish a crowd-pleasing centerpiece you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa), optional
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 head roasted garlic, mashed

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup peeled and grated yellow onion
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 3 heads garlic

Spices, Seasonings, and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay spice mix
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 5 shakes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider or sherry vinegar
• 3 teaspoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft the flavor-packed glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and a sprinkle of ground black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Reserve the glaze for later use.
2. Configure your cooking apparatus by preheating the oven or grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). For gas grills, establish medium heat on one side and low heat on the other; for charcoal grills, arrange medium-hot coals asymmetrically.
3. Prepare a cooking surface by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil or selecting a sturdy grilling tray to prevent messy drippings.
4. Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, chopped parsley, cayenne, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper, ensuring thorough mixing.
5. Mold the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, strategically embedding kielbasa if desired. Ensure the sausage is completely enclosed within the meat mixture.
6. Lavishly coat the meatloaf’s exterior with the prepared glaze, creating an even, glossy layer.
7. Cook the meatloaf for approximately 60 minutes, either in the oven or on the grill’s cooler section, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) and the glaze caramelizes.
8. For an optional flavor enhancement, roast whole garlic heads at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for one hour, wrapped in foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Once cooled, squeeze the softened cloves into a paste.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain moisture and structural integrity.
10. Serve alongside roasted potatoes, a crisp salad, or use as a delectable sandwich filling.

Notes

• Cooking low and slow prevents the meatloaf from becoming dry or tough, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
• Fresh herbs like parsley add a vibrant pop of color and bright flavor to the meat mixture.
• Grilling or baking offers flexibility, allowing you to choose your preferred cooking method.
• The unique spice blend with cayenne, paprika, and Old Bay transforms this from a standard meatloaf to a flavor explosion.
• Make-ahead convenience lets you prep glaze and mix ingredients in advance, simplifying your cooking process.
• Versatile serving options range from classic dinner plate to next-day sandwiches, maximizing meal potential.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 535 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg