My Favorite Leftover Trick
I love a good meatloaf dinner. But I love the next day even more. That is when we make these sandwiches. They turn a simple leftover into a special treat.
My grandson calls it “meatloaf magic.” I still laugh at that. It feels good to make something new from something old. It reminds me that a little creativity goes a long way in the kitchen.
The Secret is in the Sauce
Do not skip the sauce. It is the heart of this sandwich. You just mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and a tiny bit of nutmeg.
Doesn’t that smell amazing? The nutmeg is my little secret. It makes the sauce taste warm and cozy. *Fun fact: nutmeg comes from a fruit seed!* It is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Building Your Sandwich
First, butter your roll and get it toasty. That buttery crunch is so important. Then you layer the warm sauce, a thick slice of meatloaf, and a slice of cheese.
Pop it back in the oven until the cheese gets all bubbly. I like to watch it melt. It is my favorite part. What is your favorite cheese for a sandwich? I am always looking for new ideas.
A Little Green for Good Measure
Right before you close the sandwich, add a handful of fresh spinach. The warm meatloaf will wilt it just a little. This adds a fresh taste and a nice crunch.
I think this matters. A bit of green makes the whole meal feel balanced. It is a small, healthy choice that makes you feel good. Do you have a favorite sandwich topping?
Why This Sandwich Feels Like Home
This is more than just a meal. It is about not wasting good food. It is about making something with your hands.
That matters to me. Sharing a simple, tasty sandwich can make any day better. It is a small act of love. I would love to hear about your family’s favorite leftover meal. What do you like to make?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Artisan bread rolls | 8 | like ciabatta or torta |
| Butter | 3 Tablespoons | |
| Cheese slices | 8 | cheddar, provolone, or Swiss |
| Baby spinach leaves | 1 cup | |
| Cooked leftover Meatloaf | 1 recipe | sliced at least 1 inch thick |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup | For the Meatloaf Sauce |
| Light brown sugar | 6 Tablespoons | For the Meatloaf Sauce |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons | For the Meatloaf Sauce |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon | For the Meatloaf Sauce |
My Cozy Meatloaf Sandwich Secret
I just love a good leftover. It feels like a little gift from yesterday. This sandwich turns simple meatloaf into something magical. My grandson asks for it every time he visits. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it toasts?
Let’s get that oven ready for you. First, turn your oven to high broil. Now, let’s make that special sauce. It’s the heart of this sandwich, I think. Just mix the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and nutmeg in a bowl. The nutmeg is my secret. It makes it taste like the holidays.
Step 1: Grab your bread rolls and butter them inside. Place them on a baking sheet. Pop them into the oven to get golden and toasty. Watch them closely! They can go from perfect to burnt in a blink. I still laugh at the time I got distracted by the phone.
Step 2: Take your toasted rolls out. Spread a good layer of our special sauce on the bottom half. Then, add a nice, thick slice of your leftover meatloaf. Top it with a slice of cheese. I’m a cheddar girl myself. (A hard-learned tip: slice your meatloaf thick so it doesn’t get lost in the sandwich!).
Step 3: Put the whole tray back into the oven. We just want to melt that cheese. It should be bubbly and wonderful. Then, add a handful of fresh spinach for a little crunch. Place the top of the bread on and you’re done! Serve it with extra sauce for dipping. What’s your favorite cheese for melting? Share below!
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 sandwiches
Category: Lunch, Dinner
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Feel free to play with your food. Here are some ideas that make me smile.
The Pizza Lover: Use mozzarella cheese and add a few slices of pepperoni. It’s a fun surprise for the kids.
The Garden Fresh: Skip the meatloaf and use a big, grilled portobello mushroom instead. So juicy and good.
The Breakfast Switch: Try it with a fried egg on top. The runny yolk mixes with the sauce. Oh my.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate & Sip
This sandwich is a full meal by itself. But I love adding a little something on the side. A crisp dill pickle spear is just perfect. It cuts through the richness. A small cup of tomato soup is another cozy choice. It’s like a warm hug.
Now, what to drink? A cold glass of milk is my go-to. It always reminds me of my own childhood. For a grown-up treat, a pale ale tastes wonderful with the savory meatloaf. The bubbles are so refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Meatloaf Sandwiches Tasty
Let’s talk about keeping these sandwiches yummy for later. You can store the cooked meatloaf slices in the fridge for three days. Just wrap them up tight.
For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf alone. I slice it first and wrap each piece. This way, you have a quick meal ready anytime.
I remember my first freezer meatloaf. I forgot to label the bag. We had a mystery dinner for a week! Now I always use a marker.
Batch cooking saves you time and money. It turns one cooking day into many easy meals. This matters on busy school nights.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Sandwich Troubles
Sometimes the bread burns under the broiler. The fix is easy. Just watch it closely. It toasts very fast.
Your cheese might not melt all the way. Make sure your meatloaf slice is warm. A cold slice will block the heat.
I once made the sauce too runny. I just added a bit more ketchup. It thickened up perfectly.
Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that mistakes are okay. It also makes the food taste much better.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Meatloaf Sandwich Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free bread rolls. Check the labels on your sauce ingredients too.
Q: Can I prepare anything ahead?
A: The sauce can be made two days early. Keep it in a jar in the fridge.
Q: What if I don’t have dijon mustard?
A: A little yellow mustard works just fine. The flavor will be a tiny bit different.
Q: Can I make just one sandwich?
A: Of course. Just divide the sauce recipe. Make one sandwich at a time.
Q: Is the spinach important?
A: It adds a fresh crunch. But you can skip it if you want. Fun fact: spinach adds a nice pop of green color!
Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy sandwich. It always reminds me of my family. We ate these after Sunday supper.
I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your kitchen wins. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Homemade Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe from Scratch
Description
A delicious and hearty sandwich made with leftover meatloaf, melted cheese, and a special homemade sauce, all on a toasted artisan roll.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Sauce:
Instructions
- Turn oven to high Broil.
- Make the meatloaf sauce by mixing together the sauce ingredients.
- Butter both insides of the bread roll and place in oven to toast. Remove from oven when edges begin to get golden and then spread a generous layer of meatloaf sauce over the bottom half of bread. Top with a slice of meatloaf and a slice of cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted.
- Add a handful of spinach and place the top layer of bread. Serve with extra sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- For the best results, use thick slices of meatloaf so they hold their shape in the sandwich.