I love me a leftover makeover, and there is no better example of a fabulous makeover than the Meatloaf Sandwich! Last night’s meal becomes a completely new dish when you use leftover meatloaf to make sandwiches. My version features a creamy slaw, kimchi mayo and crispy broiled meatloaf. Not into slaw? Play around with any number of topping options!
Table of contents
The Beauty of Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Versatility: just like any sandwich, the flavor profiles and toppings you can use are endless. Treat this like any sandwich or burger.
- Use up leftover meatloaf: I’m a firm believer that leftovers should be utilized like ingredients in your kitchen. Reheated meatloaf is good, but a meatloaf sandwich is fantastic. It’s a completely new meal with half of the work done already.
- Quick and satisfying: since the meatloaf is already cooked, all you have to do is toast up the bread and the meatloaf and assemble. A quick, protein-packed meal on the table in under 20 minutes.
Ingredient Notes
- Meatloaf: I like to make these sandwiches with my leftover mini meatloaf recipe (hence the kimchi slaw) but you can use any leftover meatloaf.
- Bread: I always opt for ciabatta buns for leftover meatloaf sandwiches. They’re structured (so they stand up to the meatloaf well) and have just the slightest sweetness that balances out the savoriness. You can also use Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits or Cheese Biscuits, Kaiser Rolls, No-Knead Focaccia (would make a great open-faced meatloaf sandwich), or thick slices of your favorite sandwich bread.
- Sauce: I like to make some kind of mayo for meatloaf sandwiches. This recipe uses a kimchi mayo but you could also make a caper mayo, roasted garlic aioli, Russian Dressing, or vermouth aioli.
- Toppings: a creamy slaw is my go-to for meatloaf sandwiches but cheese is also a popular topping. Opt for something melty like provolone, white Cheddar or fontina.
How to Make
- Toast the Bread
Brush the bread with olive oil then broil until lightly toasted.
- Toast the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and broil until the edges are crispy and the meatloaf is browned.
- Make the Slaw
Whisk together the mayo, kimchi and garlic powder then reserve half of the sauce for the sandwich. Add a splash of lime juice and whisk to combine then add the cabbage and cilantro and toss to coat.
- Assemble
Spread the kimchi mayo over the toasted bread and top with the creamy slaw. Place the broiled meatloaf over top, add top bun and enjoy.
Test Kitchen Tips
- I don’t like saying “it depends” but when it comes to broilers results can vary greatly. Not only are results different between gas broilers and electric broilers, but within each of those categories, heat and intensity can vary quite a bit. This is why I give such large ranges of time for broiling. Keep an eye on the bread as it broils, that is the thing that can burn quickly. The meatloaf will take a bit longer, but keep an eye on it as well after a few minutes.
- If you don’t want to heat your oven broiler, you can make these on the stovetop. Heat a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel skillet over medium. Cut the bread, cut side down until toasted then remove and add the meatloaf and a splash of oil. Cook, until browned and crisp on both sides.
Topping Ideas
Cheese: use a melty cheese like provolone, white Cheddar or fontina.
Vegetables: roasted red pepper, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, slaw, pickles, basically anything you like on a sandwich can go on a meatloaf sandwich (afterall, this isn’t rocket science).
Sauces: the options are endless but I like mayonnaise, mustard, or Russian Dressing.
Leftovers
Even though this recipe is already made with leftovers, if you have leftover sandwiches, I recommend deconstructing them and storing the elements separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the meatloaf and bread under the broiler or on the stove top before assembling and eating.
Make it a Meal with a Side Dish
Side Salad
Apple Walnut Salad
Side Salad
Garden Salad
Side Salad
Simple Grape Salad Recipe
Side Salad
Simple Strawberry Salad with Basil
Meatloaf sandwiches can be fairly heavy, so lighten things up with a delicious side salad. I love to make my Apple Walnut Salad, Butter Lettuce Salad, Caesar Salad or Garden Salad.
A fruit salad is also a great option, try my popular Tomato and Watermelon Salad, Grape Salad or Strawberry Salad.
And serve up a fun cocktail! Cranberry Gin Cocktail, Tequila Smash or a Non Alcoholic Spritz would all be delicious.
Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 2 ciabatta buns split
- Olive oil
- 1 mini meatloaf or 2 thick slices of meatloaf
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chopped kimchi
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or rice vinegar
- 2 ½ cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to broil with rack set in upper-middle position. Arrange 2 cut buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Broil until lightly toasted, about 1–4 minutes depending on broiler.
- Meanwhile, if using mini meatloaf, cut 1 meatloaf in half to create two even slices. If using leftover regular-sized meatloaf, cut two thick slices from loaf. Arrange meatloaf on baking sheet and broil until deeply toasted and edges have crisped, 3–8 minutes, depending on broiler.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup chopped kimchi, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Measure out ½ cup and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons lime juice (or vinegar) to remaining mayo mixture and whisk to combine. Add 2½ cups cabbage and 1 cup cilantro, if using, and toss to combine.
- Divide reserved mayo between toasted buns. Divide slaw between bottom buns then place broiled meatloaf over top. Place top buns over meatloaf and enjoy.
