21 Leftover Meatloaf Recipes For Dinner - Foodiosity (2024)

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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.

Check this recipe.

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!

21 Leftover Meatloaf Recipes For Dinner - Foodiosity (2024)

FAQs

How do you make leftover meatloaf moist? ›

Wrapping the meatloaf in aluminum foil or covering it with a damp paper towel can help prevent moisture loss during reheating. Add moisture: Drizzle a tablespoon of beef broth, gravy, tomato sauce, or ketchup over the meatloaf before reheating.

How long can you keep leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator? ›

While it is great that you can reuse the meatloaf for multiple meals, it is essential to know how long you have to eat it all. So, how long will meatloaf last in the refrigerator? Meatloaf generally stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but only when properly stored.

Can you eat meatloaf after 7 days? ›

If it's sealed well it can go 5–7 days . If you have a large amount of it I would cut it into portions and freeze it , then you can pull when you want to eat some . Make a good sandwich. For meatloaf and most cooked foods, it is seven days.

What is the secret to a great meat loaf? ›

A chef's secret trick to making an amazing meatloaf is to use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for a more flavorful and moist texture. Another trick is to use a combination of fresh and dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, to enhance the overall taste.

Why milk instead of water in meatloaf? ›

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

What happens if you don't add milk to meatloaf? ›

Milk adds richness and moisture, while the bread helps keep the meatloaf texture softer. So, omitting milk would omit some creaminess and moisture. Those can be easily subbed out by many other ingredients like chicken stock, cream, butter, etc.

Can I eat 2 week old meatloaf? ›

How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

Can I eat a week old meatloaf? ›

Leftover meatloaf can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. However, it's important to ensure that it is stored properly to maintain its quality and safety. Here are some guidelines to follow: Cool down: Allow the meatloaf to cool down at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking.

Can I eat 5 day old leftovers? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.

Can meatloaf still be a little pink? ›

Absolutely! Just make sure your meatloaf is cooked fully before serving. You can determine whether or not it's fully cooked by sticking an internal thermometer into the center of the loaf.

Is it safe to eat cooked meatloaf left out overnight? ›

No, it is not safe to eat meatloaf that has been left in an off oven overnight. The meatloaf should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Leaving it at room temperature for too long can cause food poisoning.

What happens if you cook meatloaf too long? ›

If you cook your meatloaf too long, it will become dry. But it needs to reach a safe temperature for food safety, so you don't want "rare" meatloaf. Detecting whether the meatloaf is done based on cooking time just doesn't work.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart? ›

To help your meatloaf stay together add things such as eggs, bread, crushed croutons, oatmeal, crackers, and breadcrumbs, these are all key ingredients that help meat stick together. I hope that this helps to answer your question. What are the secrets to a firm, sliceable meatloaf that slices and won't fall apart?

Is meatloaf better on a sheet pan or loaf pan? ›

When choosing a baking pan, avoid a small loaf pan or baking dish. A tight fit means that the loaf will steam — think school cafeteria meatloaf. Instead, use a sheet pan or a large baking dish and leave some breathing room so the edges will caramelize nicely.

Why do you need ketchup in meatloaf? ›

Whether you slather a thick layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf before it goes into the oven, add a few tablespoons to the ground meat mixture, or serve extra ketchup on the side, this tangy-sweet, umami-rich condiment balances out the richness of the beef, making it an essential part of the dish.

What to do with meatloaf that falls apart? ›

When this happens, it's because you didn't use enough. Next time, try adding in an extra egg and/or some more breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rice, barley, corn flakes, crackers, and dried soup mix can also stand in as binding ingredients as well. Including larger quantities of these items should help solve the problem.

How do you crisp leftover meatloaf? ›

Another advantage to placing leftover meatloaf in the oven is that it gives the loaf a chance to crisp. To achieve a good crisp, remove the tinfoil from the top of the meatloaf the last few minutes it reheats in the oven. If you want it to be even more crispy, use a wire rack instead of a cooking tray for reheating.

Is meatloaf better the next day? ›

The flavors and ingredients of meatloaf meld together as it cools, which is why it always tastes better the day after it's been cooked. Most families can't finish an entire meatloaf in one night, and that's a good thing. The dish contains so many ingredients that meld together as it cools in the refrigerator.

Should meatloaf sit after cooking? ›

Just like with any roasted meat, meatloaf needs to sit for a bit (about 10 minutes) so it can reabsorb the juices before you slice and serve.

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