I love making meatloaf because it is so easy to prepare, economical, and can be a great recipe for boosting nutrition with grains and vegetables. Regardless of how delicious it is, you might sometimes find yourself with leftover meatloaf and need some fresh ideas. While the classic meatloaf sandwich is always an option, this post will fill you in on even more tasty leftover meatloaf ideas that offer additional and exciting ways to enjoy it. Repurposing leftovers is a fantastic way to reduce food waste, save money, and create quick and easy meals.
There are so many possibilities for what you can make into fresh, budget and family-friendly new meals. For instance, cut the leftover meatloaf into slices and fry them in olive oil with diced onion until browned. Adding gravy to this creates a dish that resembles Salisbury steak, which is wonderful served with creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans. This simple transformation just demonstrates just how versatile leftover meatloaf can be.
Beyond the Slice: Delicious Ways to Repurpose Leftover Meatloaf
While a simple reheated slice is satisfying, leftover meatloaf offers a fantastic foundation for a variety of exciting and economical meals. Get ready to discover some creative ideas that will have you looking forward to the encore of your next meatloaf dinner!
For Mexican-Inspired Meals:
Crush the leftover meatloaf to use as a flavorful taco filling. Afterwards, just season it with taco spices and serve with your favorite toppings.
Chop it up and use it as a filling for burritos. Smother it in salsa, beans, lettuce, guacamole, and rice, then wrap it in a warm tortilla.
For Pizza and Pasta Transformations:
You can cut the leftover meatloaf into small squares and use them like meatballs in pasta dishes or crush it up and add it to your spaghetti sauce for extra flavor and substance.
Something else you can do is crumble the leftover meatloaf to use as a delicious pizza topping, along with mozzarella cheese, peppers, onions, and any other toppings you normally serve to compliment the sauce.
Throw crumbled leftover meatloaf into your lasagna layers for added meatiness and flavor. This is just another idea to inspire and pump up the nutritional content.
Satisfying Casserole or Noodle Bake:
Try sauteing some sliced mushrooms and onions in olive oil until golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of flour. Return to the heat and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in some beef stock and a little half-and-half or sour cream to make a simple, creamy sauce. You can even add herbs like dill or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor before stirring in diced leftover meatloaf.
For a comforting casserole, combine this savory meatloaf mixture with cooked egg noodles or another pasta of your choice in a baking dish. You can optionally top it with some shredded cheese (like Cheddar or mozzarella) before baking in a preheated oven until bubbly and heated through. This transforms your leftover meatloaf into a satisfying and easy-to-serve casserole. Alternatively, you can simply serve the saucy meatloaf mixture over freshly cooked noodles for a quicker meal.
Hearty Breakfast and Brunch Options:
Cube the meatloaf and fry it along with diced onion and potatoes to make a substantial and filling hash. Season the leftover meatloaf with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of paprika.
Have you ever tasted a meatloaf frittata? This is a fabulous way to use up remaining meatloaf. Start by sauteing some chopped onion on the stove. In a bowl, grab your whisk to mix together about four eggs, a splash of milk, and your favorite seasonings. Add the chopped leftover meatloaf to the skillet, pour the egg mixture over it, and top with some shredded Cheddar cheese. Finish it in the oven until the frittata is set and golden brown.
Other Creative Ideas:
Reheat leftover meatloaf slices in a skillet and add slices of American cheese or your favorite cheese for warm and satisfying hot sandwich filling is still one more of the best ideas for repurposing it and saving money.
Make leftover meatloaf croquettes. Combine the crumbled meatloaf with a binder like mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs, shape them into small cylinders or patties, bread them before deep frying or pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Add it to your stuffing! Whether you’re making a stuffing for poultry or as a side dish, crumbled leftover meatloaf can add a savory depth and hearty texture. Simply mix it in with your breadcrumbs, vegetables, herbs, and broth before baking.
Crumble the meatloaf for making quick and easy sloppy joes. Simply mix it with your favorite sloppy joe sauce and serve on buns.
As you can see, the ideas for using leftover meatloaf are truly endless! Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy transforming your delicious meatloaf into a brand new and exciting meal.
More of My Best Meatloaf Recipes:
You can never go wrong with meatloaf recipes. The ones that I’m sharing with you below are unique takes that if your family is like mine will soon demand more often.
German Meatloaf with Cheese and Sauerkraut
Crockpot Meatloaf
Pizza Meatloaf
