Michael Symon’s meatloaf takes a step away from the traditional by focusing on a blend of high-quality ground meats, a flavorful glaze, and a few unique ingredients that set it apart.
It’s a dish that’s rich in flavor yet straightforward to prepare, making it a family favorite in my home.
Cayenne and paprika add a subtle heat to the juicy meat, perfectly paired with breadcrumbs and parsley for texture.
When you’re cooking, be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature; reaching 160 degrees will keep your meatloaf tender and delicious without overcooking.
How to Make Michael Symon’s Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F, setting the stage for perfect baking.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
Let it rest while you prepare the glaze.
Step 4:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Whisk until smooth, then spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
Step 5:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Mixing the Meat:
Use your hands to mix the ingredients gently to maintain the texture and prevent toughening the meat.
Over-mixing can often lead to a dense loaf, which nobody wants.
Using Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh onions and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor, so avoid any pre-chopped varieties if possible.
I always find fresher ingredients make the end result worth the small extra effort.
Resting the Meatloaf:
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven.
This short waiting period helps the juices redistribute and prevents dryness when you cut into it.
Choosing the Right Meat Ratio:
A mix of beef and pork provides the perfect blend of flavors and fat content for a tender loaf.
You can experiment with different ratios according to your preference.
Personalize the Glaze:
Feel free to add a pinch of spices to the glaze like paprika or cayenne if you enjoy a bit of heat.
The glaze can be tailored to fit your taste preferences with small adjustments like these.
What to Serve with Michael Symon Meatloaf
Classic Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with a classic! Creamy mashed potatoes are a comfort food favorite and pair perfectly with meatloaf.
The smooth texture of mashed potatoes adds a wonderful contrast to the hearty meatloaf slices.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For something a little different, roasted Brussels sprouts can add a touch of earthy flavor to your meal.
Toss them in some olive oil and roast until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Garlic Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with garlic bring a fresh and slightly crunchy element to your plate.
They are a light and flavorful side that complements the richness of the meatloaf.
Cauliflower Mash
For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes.
It’s creamy and delicious, offering a similar texture while adding a unique flavor twist.
Cornbread
A slice of cornbread can add a bit of sweetness and texture to your meal.
It’s a wonderful addition that can soak up any juices from the meatloaf and glaze.
Give these sides a try and see which ones become your new favorites alongside your meatloaf creation!
Variations and Substitutions
When you’re making Michael Symon’s meatloaf, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Want a bit more flavor? Try adding cheese to the mix!
Meat Selection
You can use a blend of ground beef and ground turkey for a lighter version.
Adding pork can offer a richer taste.
Gluten-Free Options
Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Crushed cornflakes or rice cereal work well for binding.
Flavor Boosters
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra aroma.
Experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky twist.
Topping Twists
You can cover the meatloaf with a glaze made of honey and soy sauce.
Try using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a savory kick!
Each tweak can lead to a unique and tasty version of Michael Symon’s fabulous meatloaf.
How to Store Leftover Michael Symon Meatloaf
Refrigeration
To keep your leftover meatloaf fresh, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Store it in an airtight container before placing it in the fridge. You can keep it there safely for up to four days.
This way, it stays moist and ready for your next meal!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your meatloaf later, freezing is a great option!
First, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
Stored this way, your meatloaf can last up to three months.
Creative Uses
There are so many delicious ways to use leftover meatloaf.
Dice it and add it to pasta for a hearty twist, or try it in a stir-fry with your favorite veggies.
These creative options keep your meals exciting and prevent any waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Using Enough Seasoning
One mistake you might make is thinking the meat provides all the flavor.
Adding herbs, spices, and a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce will make a significant difference.
Choosing the Wrong Meat
Using meat that’s too lean can lead to a dry result.
Mix in some ground pork or beef with a higher fat content for the best texture.
Fat keeps things juicy and flavorful!
Skimping on Glaze
Without enough glaze, you miss that tangy kick.
A good glaze balances sweet and tangy elements to top things off.
Applying it generously on top gives it a beautiful caramelized finish!
Michael Symon's Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Onion chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F, setting the stage for perfect baking.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
- Let it rest while you prepare the glaze.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Whisk until smooth, then spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.