What if I told you you can make the MOST delicious meatloaf sandwich with 5 ingredients and 10 minutes? 

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe

I tried grilling my Meatloaf Sandwich with cheese and believe it is the best way EVER to eat leftover meatloaf. Here are the keys to making a life-changing meatloaf sandwich:

• Pan Fry the Meatloaf First. This gets it caramelized, crispy at the edges, and fully heated through.
• Buttery Bread. Grill the sandwich on the stove to get buttery, crispy, golden bread whose crisp texture belies a moist meatloaf filling.
• Add melty cheese. Add some good melting cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, whatever you like) and experience a grilled cheese x meatloaf sandwich hybrid that is comfort food at a whole new level.

I love that you get a new (totally fresh) meal out of your leftover meatloaf – it won’t feel like a leftover dish, I promise.

Related: What to Make with Leftover Meatloaf (a whole lot of easy, tasty ideas.)

Let’s dive in!

Here’s What You Need

Here is everything you’ll need to gather for the TASTIEST meatloaf sandwich:

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy and delicious meatloaf sandwich:

• Meatloaf: Prepare your favorite meatloaf recipe, whether it’s ground beef, pork, turkey, or a combination. If you’re searching for the BEST basic meatloaf recipes – you’ve GOT to try my ultimate meatloaf. A shortcut version is my Lipton meatloaf or a healthier version (the one shown here) is my Moist Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
• Cheese: Choose a cheese that melts well and pairs with the meatloaf. Cheddar cheese, provolone, or Swiss are great options for meatloaf sandwiches. You can slice it thinly or grate it for easier melting.
• Butter: You’ll need it to butter the insides of bread slices and for the outside – to grill the sandwich with. Salted or unsalted are both great.
• Oil: Use your go-to vegetable oil for cooking. Olive oil, avocado, or sunflower are all good. You’ll use this to heat and crisp up the slices of meatloaf.
• Slices of bread: Choose a variety that holds up well to the hearty ingredients you will fill them with. Sourdough, whole wheat, or ciabatta are excellent choices. You may also go with a good old sandwich bread (brown or white bread) with a softer texture – French bread is delicious, too. You can also slice open hamburger buns and go casual with it. 

These ingredients are going to give you a rich and comforting sandwich that you’ll want to cozy up with.

Variations and substitutions 

You can absolutely customize this recipe to make it your own. Check out some ideas on how to change up my basic recipe:

Optional toppings:

Sneak in a few of these toppings: 

• Lettuce: Will freshen up the rich, wintery flavors. 
• Tomato: Add thin slices of ripe beef tomatoes – I love the fresh acidity of tomatoes against the hearty meatloaf flavors.
• Red onion: Slices of raw red onion add crunch!
• Mustard: Layer in your favorite mustard for extra flavor. 
• Ketchup: Turn this into takeaway-style food – so good!
• Mushrooms: Pan-fried mushrooms with garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. 
• Fried egg: Yup! Wedge it in with a meatloaf slice (cook it well, first), and you’ve got a serious sandwich! Here’s my perfect over medium egg.
• Other crunchy ingredients: Pickles, roasted peppers, crispy bacon, skillet zucchini.

Grab these tools 

This is a one-pan recipe. You hardly need any equipment to make it, but here’s what to roundup:

• Pan: Make your sandwich in a skillet or regular non-stick pan. You could even cook it on a flat-top griddle!
• Tongs or lifters: You’ll need something to turn your sandwich over with.

How to Make A Meatloaf Sandwich: An Easy Guide

Making a meatloaf sandwich is a rewarding exercise. It’s minimum input for maximum satisfaction (thanks to the leftover meatloaf).

Here is how to make yours:

Fry the leftover meatloaf 

Slice and fry the meatloaf in a pan. You want to get it deliciously crispy and ensure it is heated through. 

Butter the bread

Slice the bread. Butter the insides with 2 tsp of the butter. Add the cheese to the sandwich.

Grill the sandwich

Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the pan with the oil and swirl to melt it.

Add the sandwich and cook over medium heat (not to hot or the bread will burn before the cheese melts). 

Enjoy!

How to Serve this Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe

You can honestly just eat it there and then, as is. Go bold and dunk the sandwich into some hot sauce or sprinkle it with a little Parmesan cheese. 

While you can wait and enjoy this as a cold meatloaf sandwich, I prefer to serve it warm with melty cheese. 

If you have time (and the will), pair it with a salad or a batch of salted French fries and your fav condiment. 

5 Common Mistakes When Making Meatloaf Sandwiches

Here’s what to avoid when making this sandwich:

1. Using too-high heat: You want to cook your sandwich on a medium heat. Using high heat will result in the bread burning before it the cheese melts.
2. Using the wrong cheese: Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the meatloaf. Avoid overly strong cheeses (Like blue) that might overpower the meatloaf’s taste. Instead, opt for milder cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss.
3. Overloading with condiments: While a few condiments add flavor, using too much can overpower the taste of the meatloaf. Too many can also make the sandwich too messy or soggy.
4. Not warming the meatloaf through: Pop the meatloaf in a pan by itself first. This will get the meatloaf hot all the way through and ensure the cheese melts. 

Keep an eye on these points and you’ll get a great result.

FAQs About Meatloaf Sandwiches 

Just skimming through? Here are the articles key takeouts:

Can I use any type of meatloaf for sandwiches?

Yes, you can use any type of meatloaf for sandwiches, whether it’s made with beef, pork, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative.

How should I store leftover meatloaf for sandwiches?

Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Thaw frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before using it in sandwiches.

Should I reheat the meatloaf before making sandwiches?

Yes, definately reheat the leftover meatloaf before making sandwiches to ensure it’s warm.

How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, toast the bread before assembling the sandwich. 

Can I make meatloaf sandwiches ahead of time for a party or picnic?

Yes, you can assemble meatloaf sandwiches ahead of time for a party or picnic. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Other Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more meatloaf recipes? Here’s a bunch of my meatloaf related recipes for you to dive into:

• Seasonings for Meatloaf (super-tasty seasoning blend)
• The Meatloaf Recipe That’ll Turn You Into a Meatloaf Lover
• 3-Ingredient Meatloaf Glaze (So Tasty!) 
• Lipton Meatloaf Recipe (Shh… I won’t tell if you try this shortcut!)
• The Best Sides for Meatloaf
• 35+ HEALTHY Meatloaf Sides
• Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

For more technical meatloaf articles, check these out:

• How Long is Meatloaf Good For? 
• Meatloaf Temp Guide: Internal temperatures, oven temperatures, and storage temperatures to know. 
• How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
• Can You Freeze Meatloaf?