Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe

Name: Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 2 slices white bread; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 slice provolone cheese (or mozzarella); 1 slice meatloaf (1 inch thick); 1 tbsp ketchup

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Have leftover meatloaf on your hands? Throw together a delicious leftover meatloaf sandwich for a perfect quick lunch or easy dinner!

Leftover meatloaf sandwich stacked on a yellow plate with sauce dripping out.

Why This Recipe Works

My mom’s famous meatloaf recipe is in the top 3 most popular posts on this blog. It is on that list for a reason and it was a childhood favorite for a reason. This hearty meal is so so good, you guys. Even if you consider yourself to be a hater of this poorly-named dish, please give my mom’s recipe a go.

Then come back here and build this delicious sandwich. You will not be sorry! There is something so scrumptious about sandwiching a perfectly-cooked piece of meatloaf between bread, cheese and condiments.

If leftover meatloaf is already sitting in your fridge, this will be the easiest meal on the planet to make!

Recipe Ingredients

Meatloaf sandwich ingredients on a cutting board.

Bread – Although white bread is listed in the recipe ingredients, any type of bread can be used in place of it. A hamburger bun is a great option, too.

Mustard – If you do not have a taste for mustard, either omit or replace with a favorite condiment of your choice.

Cheese – White cheeses such as provolone and mozzarella cheese taste great in this sandwich, but feel free to replace with another melty cheese such as Gruyere cheese.

Meatloaf – This sandwich tastes best when homemade meatloaf is used inside it vs pre-packaged and store-bought.

How to Make the Best Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich

Step 1 – Heat Skillet

Warm a non stick pan or skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Place the bread slices on a flat work surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread.

Buttered bread on a cutting board next to a slice of cheese.

Step 2 – Build Sandwich

Place one of the slices of bread onto the hot skillet, butter side down. Top with the mustard and spread evenly. Top with a piece of cheese, then cold slices of meatloaf. Spread the ketchup on top of the meatloaf.

Meatloaf sandwich being stacked in a skillet.

Top with the remaining piece of bread, butter side up.

Assembled sandwich in a skillet with butter spread on the outside of the bread.

Step 3 – Cook It Up

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt around the edges. Flip sandwich carefully and cook for 3 minutes, or until bread is golden brown. Cut in half and serve immediately!

Recipe Notes

For best results, cut a thick slice of meatloaf for this sammy. A minimum of 1-inch-thick meatloaf slices is ideal for optimal meaty flavor.
If cold (cooked) meat seems weird, warm meatloaf slice in the microwave or in a skillet before adding it to the sandwich.
An alternative to creating a grilled cheese sandwich, forego the grilling portion and serve as a cold meatloaf sandwich.
If you have meatloaf sauce leftovers, use this as a spread on the sandwich.
Favorite toppings, condiments or spreads: bbq sauce, hot sauce, any tangy sauce or chopped red onion.
Turn this into an open-faced meatloaf sandwich, if desired, and serve with a fork!

How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge

How long does meatloaf last in the fridge? If you have leftovers and you’re not sure whether to throw, refrigerate or freeze, read on!

How Long Does Mustard Last

How long does mustard last? Read this post to learn more!

Beef and Pork Meatloaf Recipes – 9 Delicious Ideas!

Click over to this roundup filled with delicious beef and pork meatloaf recipe ideas to get on the table tonight!

Substitute for Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf

Whether you are looking for a gluten-free replacement or you just don’t have bread crumbs on hand, learn what to substitute for bread crumbs in this dish!

Looking down on a sandwich on a plate with a bite removed.

What To Serve With Meatloaf

Check out this comprehensive list of side dishes that pair perfectly with meatloaf! You will find 44 options to choose from, ranging from a simple hashbrown casserole to a chopped salad to marinated carrots (and so much more!). Stuffed Sweet Potatoes or a mashed potato recipe pair well, too.

What To Do With Leftover Meatloaf

Make meatloaf tacos.
Add to a batch of chili, yum!
Create leftover meatloaf sandwiches, obviously!
Crumble it up and throw into spaghetti sauce to create leftover meatloaf spaghetti.
Break into pieces and add it to your next batch of nachos.
Build a few meatball subs, substituting meatballs for chunks of meatloaf.

What To Serve With Sandwiches

Coleslaw
Pasta salad or macaroni salad
Fresh vegetables
Fruit salad
Green salad
Garlic bread
Pickle spears
French fries
Potato salad
Potato chips
Baked beans
Rolls or biscuits

FAQ About Meatloaf

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

Letting it sit for at least 15 minutes after pulling it out of the oven is a vital step if you wish to keep your meal intact. The egg and crackers will work their magic and hold the meatloaf together, but it may fall apart if you slice too soon.

Meatloaf cook time?

If you are wondering about cooking times for cooking meatloaf all the way through, it takes an entire hour and a half. Make sure to place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet before putting it into the oven!

What should meatloaf internal temp be?

To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, stick a meat thermometer into the center. You will want to achieve an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

What meat is best for meatloaf?

Meatloaf turns out great when any variety of ground meat is used. Keep in mind that the fattier the meat (beef or sausage), the more grease will hang out in the bottom of the pan. Leaner meats such as ground turkey, lean beef or even venison still produce a delicious end result!

Why put crackers in meatloaf?

The purpose of adding crackers to meatloaf is to help the mixture stick together (along with eggs!). They also add flavor to the final dish. Just be sure not to add too many cracker crumbs or the opposite problem can happen: your meatloaf may fall apart.

Can I use crackers instead of breadcrumbs for meatloaf?

You can use equal parts cracker crumbs to replace breadcrumbs in just about any meatloaf recipe. Be sure the cracker crumbs are finely ground or the meatloaf may have issues with falling apart.

Meatloaf sandwich stacked on a plate with a bite taken out of the top half.

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