Transform your leftover meatloaf into spaghetti, chili, tacos, burgers and more! Here are 16 variations that the whole family will enjoy.
Meatloaf is a staple in our household. It’s got the perfect blend of salty, savory, and sweet. Plus, it makes great leftovers! That’s why I like making a few loaves at a time.
But, while meatloaf is oh so scrumptious, you probably don’t want to eat the same meal repeatedly. Even in my house of meatloaf lovers, I have to change it up.
Fortunately, meatloaf is versatile and can be transformed into other dishes that are just as or even more delicious! Here are 16 incredible ways to use leftover meatloaf that you and your family will surely enjoy.
1. Leftover Meatloaf Spaghetti
You can use leftover meatloaf for almost any recipe that requires ground meat. Here’s an excellent example – spaghetti!
Not only will cooking require much less effort since you already have cooked beef, but it’s also pre-seasoned with such wonderful flavors.
All you need to do is break the meatloaf apart into small chunks, and cook it briefly with some tomato sauce. Pour that tasty sauce over your pasta and Voila. Dinner is ready.
2. Meatloaf Sandwich
Or how about a sandwich? Just put a thick slice of meatloaf in between 2 slices of your favorite bread and bam, you’ve got yourself a hearty meal.
You can flavor it with your preferred condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and mayo for an even tastier sandwich. I love adding some Swiss or Havarti cheese! It gives the sandwich a creamy and cheesy contrast.
3. Meatloaf Chili
You can also transform your meatloaf into a hot pot of chili. It’s great for having a few friends over for a Mexican feast or when you’re just having one of those late-night cravings. It also gives the chili a unique flavor because the meat you’re using is already seasoned.
4. Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie
Give your meatloaf some mashed potato loving by transforming it into a shepherd’s pie! Since potatoes are quite filling, this dish is great for when you need to feed a hungry crowd.
5. Meatloaf Quiche
A quiche made of meatloaf? Yes, please! Meatloaf’s flavors go well with cheese and eggs, so it only makes sense to use it to make a quiche.
And you don’t even need to have a lot of leftover meatloaf to make this recipe either. Just use however much you have left – it may not be as meaty, but it will still taste amazing.
6. Meatloaf Tacos
Meatloaf tastes great with classic Mexican toppings such as guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, so why not turn it into a taco filling? Just mix meatloaf bits with refried beans and you’re done!
7. Mac and Cheese… and Meatloaf
Mac and cheese is already so delicious on its own, but you know what it’s missing? A little bit of beef. Enter leftover meatloaf. Just crumble however much meatloaf you have left and mix it into your mac and cheese. Wonderful.
8. Meatloaf Bruschetta
This hors d’oeuvre is perfect if you just have a little leftover meatloaf. Just slice up some baguettes and top them with garlic, basil, parsley, tomato, and some meatloaf! It’s the perfect appetizer.
9. Meatloaf-Stuffed Peppers
Meat and bell peppers go well together, so why not combine the two? To make, microwave cored bell peppers until softened. Stuff them with diced leftover meatloaf flavored with tomato sauce, and top with cheese!
You can add some rice in there as well. Pop the peppers in the oven and bake until the cheese has melted.
10. Fried Rice
Got some leftover meatloaf and rice? Well, what are you waiting for? Heat up a large pan and make fried rice! Just toss in the rice, the meatloaf, some eggs, and your favorite veggies.
11. Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here’s an interesting twist! Add some leftover meatloaf to your next grilled cheese sandwich.
It’s a wonderful combo of sweet and savory meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese. It’s genius, easy to make, and downright delicious.
12. Meatloaf Egg Scramble
Meatloaf + eggs = the perfect breakfast. Just break your meatloaf slices apart into small bits and cook them with your scrambled eggs and you’re good to go. No need for sausage when you’ve got leftover meatloaf on hand.
13. Meatloaf Burgers
Because who doesn’t love burgers? And if you think you’ve already nailed the recipe for the perfect burger, here’s a suggestion: top a slice of meatloaf over your patty. Double the meat, double the goodness. It’s madness, but it works!
14. Meatloaf Sub
Meatloaf has similar flavors as a meatball, so why not use it to make a sub? Top your meatloaf sub with melted cheese and you’ve got yourself a dish to die for.
15. Meatloaf Egg Rolls
In the mood for some Asian food? Here’s a suggestion: use your leftover meatloaf as egg roll filling. What a wonderful fusion of Asian and American flavors!
It’s so good that once you try it, you might save a whole loaf on purpose just so you can make them.
16. Meatloaf Pizza
Brilliant idea alert: use your meatloaf as a pizza topping! Pizza is already delicious no matter what the toppings are, but meatloaf chunks will surely make it even more phenomenal.
16 Best Ways to Use Leftover Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf Bruschetta
Fried Rice
Meatloaf Sub
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious dinner in 30 minutes or less!
