How to Use Leftover Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a fantastic meal that can fill even the emptiest of bellies. Meatloaf recipes often call for a huge amount of meat and for a smaller family it may create lots of leftovers. While eating meatloaf on it's own the next day is tasty, it can grow old fast. Here are a few ideas on how to use up your leftover meatloaf.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. ADD YOUR MEATLOAF TO YOUR SLOPPY JOE MIX
   
   Use your leftovers as a replacement for all or part of the meat called for in your sloppy joe recipe. Add your meatloaf to the pan of browned ground meat and crumble it with a spatula, or heat it through and crumble it alone in the pan. Then follow with your usual sloppy joe preparation.
   
   The resulting texture is fantastic, especially if you use oats or another grain for a meatloaf filler as it will thicken the sloppy joes and add a fantastic flavor dimension.

2. MAKE A MEATLOAF SANDWICH
   
   Meatloaf sandwiches are probably what most people think of when they think of leftover meatloaf. Try something new with your meatloaf sandwich by using different breads such as sourdough or a focaccia. Spice up your sandwich with barbecue sauce or spicy ketchup.

3. CREATE A SHEPHERD'S PIE
   
   Shepherd's pie is a traditional casserole dish that includes a meat base, a layer of mixed vegetables, and a mashed potato topping. After the dish is assembled it is baked until it is heated through and a buttery crust forms on the mashed potato layer.
   
   Use your leftover meatloaf as the meat base in your shepherd's pie recipe and create a new flavor combination. The texture of the bottom layer will also be more cohesive as the binders in your meatloaf meld together and join the other flavors in the dish.

4. MAKE A GREAT SPAGHETTI SAUCE
   
   Meatloaf is a great replacement for your typical meat in your spaghetti sauce. When making your spaghetti sauce add your meat and let it simmer long enough to break down the solid texture of them meatloaf.

[knelson]

on 7/28/2009 mmm, who doesn't love meatloaf sandwiches?! great ideas :)

[AprilThomas]

on 3/24/2009 Meatloaf is great and everyone here loves it. I make a big pan of it and freeze in serving slices. I do like your method of using leftover meatloaf, I know my family would like the sloppy joe idea too.