Don’t let leftover meatloaf go to waste! Re-imagine it with these easy and delicious meatloaf recipes.
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and there are countless meatloaf recipes to choose from. However, a common problem is that it’s hard to make meatloaf in small portions.
Thankfully, meatloaf is perfect for transforming into new meals. Just like leftover chicken, leftover spaghetti, and leftover chili, leftover meatloaf can be used in many dishes that call for spiced ground meat.
Instead of eating meatloaf for days, why not turn it into something new? Here are some of the best ways to transform leftover meatloaf into delicious and exciting dishes.
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Meatloaf
Here are some creative and delicious recipes to help you use leftover meatloaf:
1. Meatloaf Pizza: A Savory Twist
If you’re craving homemade pizza, adding meatloaf is a fantastic idea. Since it’s already seasoned and cooked, you’ll save time and effort! Simply crumble the meatloaf over your pizza dough, and add your favorite toppings.
Top it with sweet or spicy peppers, plenty of cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and any other pizza toppings you enjoy. For extra fun, get creative with your pizza design to make each bite unique.
2. Meatloaf Tacos: A Flavorful Fiesta
Transform your spiced meatloaf into delicious meatloaf tacos! In a skillet, combine crumbled meatloaf with spices like chili powder, sautéed onions, salsa, and black beans. Add a little water if the mixture is too thick.
Once the mixture is simmering, spoon it into your favorite taco shells – soft or hard, depending on your preference. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños for an extra kick. Don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing skinny jalapeño margarita!
3. Frito Pie Mason Jars: A Portable Party
For a fun and portable meal, try this Frito pie recipe. While the original recipe calls for ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with your leftover meatloaf.
The ingredients and toppings are completely customizable, so you can tailor it to your taste. Finish this great meal with a delicious baked apple topped with spiced granola and yogurt.
4. Stuffed Peppers: A Nutritious Delight
You can stuff almost anything into stuffed peppers, and this recipe is easy to make and full of nutrients. First, soften the bell peppers by cooking them in the microwave or baking them in the oven. While they’re cooking, prepare the stuffing by dicing the meatloaf and cooking quinoa, rice, or orzo. Mix these ingredients together, then add tomato sauce and cheese.
Once the peppers are softened, stuff them with the mixture and top with more cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
5. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers: An Extra Layer of Flavor
Take your stuffed peppers to the next level by wrapping them in bacon! The bacon keeps the peppers and filling moist as they cook, and the rendered bacon fat adds even more flavor to the dish. This leftover meatloaf stuffed peppers in bacon recipe is super quick and easy to make. These also freeze well, making it easy to use all of your leftover meatloaf at once!
6. Spaghetti Bolognese: A Classic Comfort Dish
Transform your leftover meatloaf into a hearty spaghetti bolognese. As with many meatloaf transformation recipes, you’ll start with meatloaf and add tomato sauce. Keep it simple with this dish rather than overwhelming it with too many toppings and spices.
Break the meatloaf into small pieces, add tomato sauce (and spices, if desired), and serve over steamed spaghetti. A simple and satisfying meal!
7. Meatloaf Stroganoff: A Creamy Delight
Transform your meatloaf into a creamy and flavorful meatloaf stroganoff. Simply prepare your favorite stroganoff sauce, and serve it over crumbled meatloaf. For a traditional side, serve over egg noodles.
8. Skillet Hash with a Fried Egg: A Hearty Breakfast or Brunch
With this skillet hash recipe, start by sautéing diced onions, potatoes, and bell peppers. Add crumbled meatloaf and crack an egg or two on top. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking. To add more flavor, experiment with spices or add cheese.
9. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup: A Warm and Flavorful Soup
Minestrone soup traditionally includes meatballs, but you can easily substitute them with leftover meatloaf. Sprinkle cubed meatloaf into the soup, along with a little pecorino cheese. This recipe uses an instant pot, but you can also cook the soup in a regular pot for a longer period. The taste will be just as great.
10. Vintage Meatloaf and Vegetable Soup: A Classic Combination
Meatloaf is a great addition to almost any soup that calls for meat. If you run out of meatballs, use leftover meatloaf. A vintage vegetable soup with meatloaf is the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
11. Shepherd’s Pie Meatloaf: A Twist on a Classic
Don’t let meatloaf go to waste. Use it to make meatloaf Shepherd’s pie! Instead of using lamb, use your leftover meatloaf. In ramekins or casserole dishes, combine sautéed onions, peas, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, and crumbled meatloaf. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese, and bake until hot and melted. This creative leftover recipe is a must-try.
12. Fried Rice: A Quick and Easy Meal
Fried rice is easy to make with leftover meatloaf. Sauté leftover rice with diced vegetables (of your choice), an egg, soy sauce, and crumbled or diced meatloaf. It’s easy, filling, and relatively healthy! Note: Day-old rice works best for fried rice. You can complete the Asian theme with homemade mini mochi cakes.
13. Meatloaf Grilled Cheese: A Comfort Food Combination
Combine two comfort food classics with a meatloaf grilled cheese. It’s similar to a patty melt.
The next time you have leftover meatloaf, have grilled cheese and place a slice of meatloaf between the cheese and bread. Serve with fries and ketchup, or a pickle martini cocktail!
14. Meatloaf Chili: A Warm and Spicy Dish
Quick Meatloaf chili is perfect for cold nights. Cook up a pot of flavorful chili with vegetables and seasonings, then add crumbled meatloaf. For extra heat, add jalapeños or spicy chili seasoning. Remember that the meatloaf is already spiced! Start with a winter panzanella salad with honey lemon dressing.
15. Meatloaf Mac and Cheese: A Decadent Indulgence
Leftover meatloaf makes a great addition to your favorite spicy mac and cheese dish. Stir in the leftover meatloaf while the mac and cheese is still hot. The juicy meat enhances the flavor of the cheese. It may not be the healthiest meal, but it’s definitely delicious. Balance it out with a peach caprese side salad.
16. Leftover Meatloaf Quiche: A Savory Breakfast or Brunch
Meat, cheese, and eggs are a great combination, and leftover meatloaf quiche is no exception. Add mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or different types of cheese to the quiche. Pair this meal with a cranberry orange salad with a creamy citrus vinaigrette.
17. Grilled Bacon Meatloaf Burgers: A Quick Weeknight Dinner
Turn leftover meatloaf into a quick weeknight dinner with juicy meatloaf burgers. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them for 15 minutes to achieve that tender, flavorful texture and crispy, golden edges. Serve with homemade french fries and a traditional Old Fashioned.
18. Meatloaf Egg Rolls with Jalapeño Ketchup: An Asian-American Fusion
These crispy meatloaf egg rolls use leftover meatloaf as a filling. Combined with some homemade spicy ketchup, this recipe makes a tasty light meal or appetizer. Pair the egg rolls with a Spicy Paloma cocktail for an extra kick.
19. The Classic Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich
Elevate your leftovers game with the Meatloaf Sandwich! This sandwich is a satisfying mix of warm meatloaf, cheese, and other preferred toppings, is a comforting and fuss-free choice for a tasty lunch or dinner.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
Meatloaf is versatile and can be used in numerous dishes when you have leftovers. Happy cooking! For more easy dinner ideas, check out some of our favorites below:
- Healthy Turkey Chili
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Top Round Roast with Gravy
- Crockpot Meatballs
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