This grilled meatloaf melt is better than a burger and tastier than a meatball sub. Make this lunchtime favorite with last night’s leftover meatloaf!
The best way to use up leftover meatloaf is to make sandwiches.
Better than a grilled cheese, this grilled meatloaf melt stacks up to any panini sandwich.
We love homemade meatloaf and it’s the ideal dinner during the colder months when you are craving comfort food.
I follow a recipe for diner style meatloaf that is a hit in my house with plenty of leftovers.
It’s juicy and delicious and we always have plenty for the next day.
Who can say no to leftover meatloaf and homemade barbecue sauce!
I get tired of eating the traditional sandwich.
Turkey and ham from the deli counter are fine for school lunches but on the weekend, I crave something a bit more substantial.
When you have leftovers in the fridge that need to be eaten or thrown away, it’s best to be creative and come up with something new and delicious.
I love a good meatball sub on a hoagie roll or using up pulled chicken and adding buffalo wing sauce to it.
But today…lunch is calling for something different!
What goes on a meatloaf sandwich
Bread. White or wheat as long as it’s soft.
Condiments. Flavored mayonnaise or ketchup would be tasty but for me a little barbecue sauce is the way to go.
Veggies. I’m partial to lettuce and tomatoes. I bet a slice of red onion would be tasty as well.
Cheese. Any kind that suits your fancy. I went with provolone in this recipe. But the deli counter has every flavor you can imagine. Jalapeño flavored cheddar would give the sandwich just the right amount of heat. Don’t you think?
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How to make a meatloaf melt
The big dilemma when grilling a sandwich in a skillet is how to keep it from falling apart.
I don’t know about you but I’ve been known to lose my sandwich on the flip the taller the stack.
If you don’t have a Panini press or George Foreman grill try this method: Griddle the bread on both sides until the cheese has melted.
Next, build your sandwich in the pan and top with the other piece of bread.
By grilling your sandwiches at a lower heat you’ll end up with the sandwich that’s perfectly grilled on the outside and melted and warm on the inside.
Try these other lunchtime favorites
- Hawaiian Calzone
- New York Strip Steak Sandwiches
- Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Crockpot Turkey Meatball Subs
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Grilled Meatloaf Melt
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 2 slices leftover meatloaf, room temperature
- 2 slices provolone cheese
- Spreadable butter
- Barbecue sauce, optional
- Lettuce and tomato for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Spread butter on one side of two pieces of bread.
- Place both slices of bread butter side down in the cast-iron skillet. Layer one slice with the cheese, meatloaf slices and lettuce and tomato.
- Once the second slice of bread has toasted golden brown use a spatula to place on top of the stacked sandwich. Wait another minute or until the cheese is melted before removing to a plate.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #homeandplate. I’d love to see what you cook!
I absolutely love this sandwich! I used to always eat them with just ketchup and this is so much better ! I love the fresh tomatoes!
Thanks Beth…it’s a hit in my house too. The fresh tomatoes make the sandwich. 🙂
Sounds so good! I don’t have a panini press so I really appreciate the alternative method! This will be put to the test for sure!
Sometimes I just prefer the cast iron skillet. But if you have a panini maker, it does keep things easy 🙂 Hope you like it.
We love using our panini press to make grilled sandwiches! This is the perfect way to use up leftovers!
A panini maker is a great idea for making the sandwiches. Keeps everything nice and tidy! Thanks Suzy 🙂
LOVE meatloaf. And this leftover meatloaf grilled sandwich is So good. Such amazing flavors! Pinned this for later!
Thanks Jessica…you can’t go wrong with leftovers this good. Yes…it is very flavorful.
THIS is a serioulsy good looking sandwich! I’m off to make meatloaf just to try it in sandwich form!
It’s seriously the best sandwich for the winter months. Hope you love it!