Are you tired of the same old meatloaf dinner and looking for creative ways to repurpose those leftovers? Look no further! This comprehensive guide offers 21 innovative recipes to transform your leftover meatloaf into delicious dishes that are perfect for any meal of the day.
From classic comfort food reinventions like Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie to fusion treats like Meatloaf Pizza, there’s something for everyone. These easy-to-follow recipes make use of ingredients you likely already have, saving you time and reducing food waste—making this the ultimate resource for breathing new life into your meatloaf leftovers.
1. Meatloaf Sandwiches
Elevate Your Lunch Game
Swap out your usual deli meat for a slice of leftover meatloaf in your next sandwich. Layer it with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a drizzle of ketchup or mayonnaise. It’s a flavorful way to revamp yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch.
Quick and Easy
All it takes is a few minutes to assemble this sandwich, making it perfect for busy days. Just toast your bread of choice, add the meatloaf and toppings, and you’re good to go.
Your Sandwich, Your Way
Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like cheese, pickles, or even a fried egg. The possibilities are endless, so make the sandwich your own.
2. Meatloaf Tacos
A New Take on Taco Night
Instead of your usual ground beef or chicken, try using slices of meatloaf as your taco filling. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a fun and innovative way to utilize your leftovers.
Crowd-Pleasing Cuisine
This unique taco idea is sure to delight your family and friends. The meatloaf lends a different but delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with traditional taco accompaniments.
Mix and Match
Feel free to swap in whole-grain tortillas for a healthier option, or add a dollop of guacamole for extra creaminess. Customization is key to keeping your taco nights exciting.
3. BBQ Meatloaf Pizza
A Fusion of Favorites
Combine two classic comfort foods into one by using your leftover meatloaf as a pizza dough. Add barbecue sauce, cheese, and your choice of veggies to create this mouthwatering dish.
Weeknight Wonder
This recipe is a perfect way to break up the weekday monotony. It’s easy to make and will get your dinner on the table in no time.
Personalize Your Pizza
Don’t hesitate to add more of your favorite pizza toppings. From mushrooms to bell peppers or even pineapple, the sky’s the limit.
4. Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie
Comfort Food 2.0
Use your leftover meatloaf as the protein base for a classic Shepherd’s Pie. Layer it with creamy mashed potatoes and a mixture of vegetables for a comforting and hearty meal.
Versatile and Satisfying
This dish is great for any meal and is especially useful for clearing out leftover vegetables as well. It’s like a warm hug in food form.
Play with Flavors
Consider adding some grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking or sprinkle in some herbs for extra flavor. Customize it to suit your palate.
5. Meatloaf Breakfast Hash
A Hearty Start to the Day
Upgrade your morning meal with this meatloaf breakfast hash. Combine diced meatloaf, potatoes, and veggies like bell peppers and onions, then cook until crispy. Top with a sunny-side-up egg for a complete breakfast.
Quick Morning Meal
This hash takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekends alike.
Flexible Ingredients
Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand. This dish is all about convenience and flexibility.
6. Meatloaf Panini
Take Your Sandwich to the Next Level
Grill your meatloaf slices and some cheese between two pieces of crusty bread for a quick and satisfying meatloaf panini. The grill marks add aesthetic appeal while the warm, gooey center satisfies your taste buds.
Perfect for Quick Lunches
Throwing this panini together is a breeze, making it ideal for a quick lunch at home or to take to work.
Add Some Greens
Slide in some arugula or spinach for a nutritional boost and a peppery flavor that complements the meatloaf well.
7. Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Reimagine Dinner
Turn your leftover meatloaf into a comforting casserole by layering it with thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Family-Friendly Meal
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Switch it Up
Feel free to add in some vegetables like green beans or corn for added color and nutrients.
8. Spaghetti and Meatloaf Meatballs
Transform and Reuse
Crumble your meatloaf and reform it into meatballs for a twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs dish. The seasonings in the meatloaf add an extra layer of flavor to this Italian favorite.
Read also: 30 Meatloaf Recipes
Weeknight Dinner Solution
It’s quick to cook the pasta and heat up your transformed meatballs, making this an easy weeknight meal.
Vary Your Sauce
Experiment with different types of pasta sauces, from marinara to Alfredo, to make the dish your own.
9. Asian-style Meatloaf Stir-fry
East Meets Leftovers
Dice your leftover meatloaf and stir-fry it with a mix of vegetables and Asian-inspired sauces like soy and teriyaki. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Fast and Flavorful
This stir-fry comes together in minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.
Customize the Veggies
Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, from bell peppers to snap peas, to make this dish versatile and nutrient-rich.
10. Meatloaf Tater Tot Hotdish
A Twist on a Classic
Take your tater tot hotdish to the next level by substituting the usual ground meat with crumbled meatloaf. It adds depth of flavor to this classic comfort food.
Great for Groups
This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners, serving a large number of people with ease.
Cheese it Up
For an extra layer of yum, consider adding a layer of shredded cheese before baking.
11. Meatloaf Salad
A Fresh Perspective
Crumble your meatloaf over a bed of greens for a hearty salad. Top with your favorite dressing for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Ideal for Lunch
This is a great option for a filling and balanced meal that’s quick to throw together for lunch.
Add Some Crunch
Include some nuts or croutons for additional texture and flavor.
12. Meatloaf Bolognese
Italian Flair
Finely crumble your meatloaf and simmer it in a classic Bolognese sauce. Serve over your favorite pasta for a robust and flavorful meal.
Perfect for Date Night
This dish feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to put together, making it ideal for a romantic dinner at home.
Go Beyond Pasta
While pasta is the classic choice, this Bolognese sauce also pairs well with polenta or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
13. Meatloaf Quesadillas
A Mexican Mashup
Fill your quesadillas with slices or crumbled meatloaf, cheese, and your choice of vegetables. Grill until crispy and serve with a side of salsa or sour cream.
Quick Snack or Meal
This dish can be a quick snack or a full meal, depending on how much you stuff into your quesadillas.
Experiment with Cheese
Use different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or queso fresco, to discover your favorite combination.
14. Meatloaf-Stuffed Bell Peppers
An All-in-One Meal
Stuff halved bell peppers with a mixture of crumbled meatloaf, rice, and vegetables. Bake until the peppers are tender for a dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Meal Prep Friendly
These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and reheat as needed throughout the week.
Get Creative with Fillings
Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous and add any veggies you like to make the dish your own.
15. Meatloaf Patty Melt
Classic Diner Fare at Home
Turn your meatloaf into a delicious patty melt by grilling slices with onions and cheese between slices of rye or sourdough bread.
Ideal for Any Meal
While traditionally a lunch item, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this as a decadent breakfast or a simple dinner.
Add a Side
Pair your patty melt with some homemade fries or a side salad to complete the meal.
16. BBQ Meatloaf Sliders
Portable and Delicious
Turn your meatloaf into mini sliders using Hawaiian rolls and barbecue sauce. These sliders are perfect for game day or a fun family dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser
These sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.
Topping Options
Add some pickles, onions, or even jalapeños for an added flavor dimension.
17. Meatloaf and Mushroom Gravy
Hearty and Satisfying
Slice your leftover meatloaf and drench it in a homemade mushroom gravy for a rich and fulfilling meal.
Dinner Done Right
Serve this over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Switch up the Sauce
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, consider using a brown or onion gravy instead.
18. Meatloaf Fried Rice
One-Pan Wonder
Combine crumbled meatloaf, cooked rice, vegetables, and a savory sauce in a skillet for a quick, one-pan meal.
Read also: 24 Meatloaf Side Dishes For Dinner
Weeknight Lifesaver
This dish is particularly useful for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Choose Your Veggies
From bell peppers to spinach, the choice of veggies is up to you.
19. Cajun Meatloaf Po’ Boy
Southern Comfort
Turn your meatloaf into a Cajun treat by placing slices in a baguette and topping with lettuce, tomato, and a spicy remoulade sauce.
Lunchtime Hit
This sandwich is sure to liven up your lunchtime routine.
Control the Heat
Adjust the spiciness of the remoulade to suit your taste.
20. Philly Cheese Meatloaf Sandwich
All-American Classic
Create a Philadelphia-inspired sandwich by placing meatloaf slices in a hoagie roll, then adding sautéed peppers and onions, topped with melted provolone cheese.
Satisfy Your Cravings
This sandwich is perfect for when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Grill or Broil
Grill the sandwich for a crispy texture or broil to melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
21. Meatloaf Wellington
A Gourmet Makeover
Give your meatloaf a gourmet twist by wrapping it in puff pastry and baking until golden brown. Serve with a side of gravy or a mushroom sauce for a dish that’s sure to impress.
Special Occasion Worthy
This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking to impress your guests.
Vegetable Options
Consider adding a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the meatloaf and the puff pastry for added flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just unlocked a world of culinary possibilities with these 21 creative ways to repurpose your leftover meatloaf. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to an array of delicious dishes that will keep your taste buds excited and your family asking for more. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or craving international flavors, our guide has got you covered. So don’t let that meatloaf go to waste; dive into these recipes and discover how versatile and exciting leftover meatloaf can truly be!
