This Meatloaf Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover meatloaf and make it into something delicious. It’s loaded with caramelized onions, garlic aioli, crisp lettuce, and pickled jalapeños for a bold, tasty lunch or quick dinner.
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You can use a cold slice of homemade meatloaf or warm it up. Either way, this sandwich takes comfort food up a notch. You’ll love this recipe because it is a great way to use up leftovers, is super easy to customize to your own tastes and preferences, and is quick, simple, and delicious.
How to make a meatloaf sandwich
First, gather your ingredients.
Ingredients
For the best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to.
To make this meatloaf sandwich recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Sandwich
- Homemade meatloaf
- Bread of choice
- Fresh leafy lettuce
- Pickled jalapeños
For the Caramelized Onions
- Avocado oil or other neutral oil
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup or honey
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Garlic Aioli
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Dijon mustard
You can easily make this sandwich your own. If you don’t like garlic aioli, use BBQ sauce or ketchup instead. For more heat, replace the garlic in the aioli with prepared horseradish to make horseradish mayo. Choose any bread you like, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or a soft brioche bun. Leave out the jalapeños for a milder taste, or add extra veggies like tomato slices or avocado.
Making a homemade meatloaf sandwich
Meatloaf Sandwiches are a simple recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.
First, make the caramelized onions.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re soft. Lower the heat, then stir in your balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Keep cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are jammy. Set aside.
Next, make the garlic aioli by combining all the aioli ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until smooth.
Now, toast the bread.
Put your bread slices in a dry, hot skillet over medium heat. Toast them until they are golden on both sides. Want it extra toasty? Spread a light layer of mayo on the bread before toasting.
Next you’ll want to assemble all of your sandwich ingredients together and get ready to build your sandwiches.
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread garlic aioli on one slice of toasted bread.
Add lettuce on top of the aioli.
Next, add the pickled jalapeños.
Now add one or two slices of meatloaf and a big spoonful of caramelized onions. Place the second slice of bread on top. Repeat for the second sandwich.
Leftovers
Store leftovers unassembled in covered containers for 2-3 days, maximum.
Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.
I hope y’all enjoy this easy meatball sandwich recipe! Let me know if you try it.
More Recipes Like This
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- Skip the diner and make your own Classic Homemade Club Sandwich Recipe right at home! Your family will love this!
- This Reuben Sandwich will knock your socks off. Try it and your family will want it on your regular recipe rotation.
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Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe
This Meatloaf Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover meatloaf and make it into something delicious. It’s loaded with caramelized onions, garlic aioli, crisp lettuce, and pickled jalapeños for a bold, tasty lunch or quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 slices homemade Meatloaf cold or warmed through
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other flavorless oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Garlic Aioli:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise avocado oil is best
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
Other:
- Pickled jalapenos
- Fresh leafy lettuce
- 4 slices bread of choice
Instructions
Prep the Caramelized Onions:
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Heat a large skillet with the avocado oil over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onion and saute for 10 minutes until softened.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the balsamic, maple syrup, salt and pepper and continue to saute for 5-10 minutes until jammy.
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Turn off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prep the Garlic Aioli:
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Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
Toast the Bread:
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Place bread in an empty hot skillet on the stovetop and cook on both sides for 30-60 seconds until golden.
Layer the Sandwich:
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Spread Garlic Aioli onto one slice of bread. Top with lettuce, pickled jalapeno, meatloaf slice, caramelized onions and then the second slice of bread on top.
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Repeat to make the 2nd sandwich!
Recipe Notes
You can use a cold slice of meatloaf or warm it in the oven/microwave if you prefer. Everyone likes their meatloaf sandwich made differently!
You can use BBQ sauce instead of the Aioli.
Horseradish Aioli would also be phenomenal! Instead of the minced garlic, add 1 tablespoon of prepared jared horseradish to the mayo.
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