Meatloaf Sandwich
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Got leftover meatloaf? The best way to use it up is this delicious and easy Meatloaf Sandwich! A slice of meatloaf sandwiched in between two pieces of toasted bread with cheese, ketchup and mustard!

Recently, I shared the best meatloaf recipe and now I’m back to show you how to use the leftovers to make the best meatloaf sandwich! Add some sweet potato fries or potato chips on the side to make this a complete meal. Everyone will love it!
Sometimes I make meatloaf just so I can have leftovers for sandwiches — they are seriously so good! And this isn’t an ordinary sandwich, my way of making it takes a leftover slice of meatloaf and elevates it to a whole new level. You’re going to love this yummy recipe.
Why You’ll Love this Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe
- Any kind of leftover meatloaf will work for this recipe, but my classic meatloaf recipe works really well! It’s the perfect way to repurpose leftover meatloaf.
- Meatloaf sandwiches are the best classic comfort food. If you’re looking for something cozy, this is it!
- This is an easy recipe that takes about 10 minutes to make. Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner!
Add some sweet potato fries or potato chips on the side to make this a complete meal. Everyone will love it!
Ingredients for a Meatloaf Sandwich
- Meatloaf – I like to use thick meatloaf slices, but you can make them as thick or thin as you like. Use whatever is your favorite meatloaf recipe!
- Bread – I think a thick-sliced white bread works best for this recipe. Texas toast would be great, or thick slices of country white bread. Sourdough and ciabatta would be yummy too.
- Cheese – Any good melting slice of cheese will work. I like to use either cheddar cheese, provolone, or American cheese.
- Condiments – A little ketchup and mustard adds some sweet and tangy flavor!
- Butter – This will give the bread that crispy, toasted, grilled texture like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Helpful Tools
How to Make a Meatloaf Sandwich
I like to warm the meatloaf in the microwave first, bit you can also heat it up in the oven. Depending on how thick it is, it may not heat through when you grill the sandwich. Microwaving it for 30 seconds or so gives it a headstart so it’s nice and hot.
Take two slices of bread and butter one side of each. Then flip them over and brush them with mustard and ketchup.
Place one slice of bread butter-side down in a hot non-stick pan. Place the slice of meatloaf on top and then add the cheese. Top with the other slice of bread with the buttered side facing up.
Grill the sandwich on one side until toasty and golden. Flip the sandwich over and cook it on the other side until golden.
It should only take seven to eight minutes to cook the sandwich. Serve and enjoy!
Variations on a Meatloaf Sandwich
Depending on the kind of meatloaf you have leftover, you can make all kinds of variations for your sandwiches! Here are some ideas you might like to try:
Italian Meatloaf Sandwich: Use leftover Italian meatloaf and use a slice of mozzarella and a little marinara sauce to make your sandwich.
BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich: Instead of a classic meatloaf sauce of ketchup and mustard, smear some BBQ sauce on the bread for a different twist.
Open-Faced Meatloaf Sandwich: Skip the top piece of bread and then double up on the cheese to make a delicious open-faced version of this leftover meatloaf sandwich.
Leftover Cold Meatloaf Sandwich: Skip the grilling and place a slice of meatloaf on bread with crispy lettuce leaves, juicy tomatoes, and pickle slices for a cold sandwich.
Toppings: Add some yummy toppings like pickles, mayo, mushrooms, bacon, hot sauce, and onions would all be good on this sandwich.
Can I store a leftover meatloaf sandwich?
I wouldn’t recommend storing a meatloaf sandwich because the bread will get soggy. Just keep storing leftovers of your favorite meatloaf and then build the sandwich whenever you get a hankering!
What to Serve with a Meatloaf Sandwich
Serve this heart sandwich with sides like crispy french fries, tater tots or even onion rings. Mashed potatoes would be delicious too! Air fryer zucchini fries would be a another fun dish.
Need another veggie option? This air fryer asparagus and my roasted broccoli would be a great side with this meatloaf sandwich.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf Sandwich
- I recommend using thick sliced bread so that the sandwich holds up well. Thin bread will get soggy pretty quickly.
- For the most melty cheese results, slice some cheese off of a block. It’s also more cost effective!
- If you’re using some toppings in your sandwich, slice a thinner piece of meatloaf so there’s room for the toppings.
Hearty, savory, and delicious with all that melted cheese! Make these epic hot sandwiches after meatloaf night, you won’t regret it.
More Hot Sandwich Recipes
- Learn how to make a Classic Reuben! This sandwich is loaded with flavors and lots of melted cheese for an amazing hearty sandwich.
- Skip the diner version and make a Tuna Melt – you can easily customize this recipe to make your perfect sandwich!
- Sometimes it’s the simple things that make you happy and a Grilled Cheese will do just that! This is a sandwich you can make in your air fryer for perfectly toasted bread and ooey-gooey melted cheese.
- Switch up pizza night and make Pizza Sandwich Sliders. Pepperoni, melted cheese, and sauce on slider buns are a delicious hot sandwich recipe!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Meatloaf Sandwich
Video
Ingredients
- 1 slice leftover meatloaf
- 1 Tablespoon butter softened
- 2 slices thick hearty bread
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave safe plate. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until heated through.
- Brush one side of each piece of bread with butter.
- Place the bread with ketchup butter side down in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Then top with 1 slice of cheddar cheese, slice of warmed meatloaf and mustard. Top with the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook until the bottom of the sandwich is lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is lightly browned.
Camden says
My stomach started growling looking at the photos for this! I may need to make this meatloaf sandwich without cheese due to some sensitivities, but it will still be incredible I’m sure!
Courtney says
Great way to use leftover meatloaf!
Debbie says
A meatloaf sandwich is such a great idea. Thank you for this clever way to use leftovers.
Courtney says
Great way to use leftovers!
Alyssa says
I love all these ideas for a meatloaf sandwiches. I don’t love leftovers, this is a great way to switch it up so I don’t feel like I’m eating the same thing again.
Courtney says
I am the same way, especially with meatloaf leftovers. This allows me to feel like I’m eating a whole new meal! 😋
Donna says
Absolutely delicious! I added a second slice of cheese on the other side of the meatloaf. The husband wolfed it down! I never thought of a grilled cheese with meatloaf before but I can whole heartedly say, that’s the only way I’ll eat a meatloaf sandwich from here on out. Thank you!
Brittany says
So many variations for making a meatloaf sandwich! I may make a loaf just to try all of the sandwich recipes you shared. Yummy!
Kristen says
Core memory unlocked!!! My grandma used to make me a Meatloaf Sandwich out of leftovers whenever she made meatloaf! Yum… paired with homemade BBQ sauce, it’s so tasty!
Courtney says
So good. The leftovers are my favorite.
Malinda says
This is the best way to use leftover meatloaf!! Thank you so much!
Danielle says
I love it when I can mix up our leftovers into something great! I can’t wait to make this again!
Alison LaFortune says
Perfect comfort food! Loved it with the cheddar cheese on top.