Best Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe + Video
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This Meatloaf Sandwich isn’t made with leftover slices! No, we’re frying up meatloaf-flavored patties instead for the freshest, juiciest bites. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions on your favorite toasted bread for a crispy, savory sandwich that hits all the right notes!
Meatloaf Sandwich
What do you get when you combine a classic burger with all your favorite meatloaf flavors? The BEST meatloaf sandwich, of course!!
Instead of warming up leftover slices which, let’s be honest, can sometimes be dry, we’re infusing all those flavors into freshly formed beef patties for maximum juiciness.
This meatloaf sandwich recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, but you could easily throw a big batch on the grill for a summertime feast.
Lay out all the toppings and toast bread to order so everyone can build their own.
I love coming up with new and interesting ways to put a spin on the classics. Try a spicy buffalo chicken burger or my summer sausage sliders next!
Recipe Video
Be sure to watch the video! Look for it in the recipe card, at the bottom of this post.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef – I like to use a lean 80/20 blend for plenty of flavor without a ton of grease.
Feel free to swap with ground turkey or ground chicken for an even leaner meatloaf sandwich. - Breadcrumbs – Here’s where you can really get creative! Regular breadcrumbs will go virtually undetected, while panko or crushed crackers add a slight crunch.
Try rolled oats for a different texture, or make gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. - Ketchup – A meatloaf classic! Substitute tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar and sugar, or try BBQ sauce (bottled or homemade) for a different flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Don’t skip this! It adds so much flavor and really enhances the natural taste of the beef. Soy sauce is the best alternative.
- Seasonings – We’re using the classics: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add a dash of cayenne for heat or swap everything for Montreal Steak seasoning if you’d like.
You could also use freshly minced garlic and onion, but it’s best to cook them first. - Bread – Anything goes! Sandwich bread is my top choice for this meatloaf sandwich recipe, whether it’s white, whole grain, sourdough, or a GF option.
You could also use hamburger buns, English muffins, or ciabatta rolls!
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Meatloaf Sandwich
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture.
Mix ground beef with the other ingredients by hand, just until everything is well incorporated.
Use a gentle touch and avoid squishing and squeezing too much, which will cause the meat to become tough when cooked.
If you’re able to shape them ahead of time, go for it! Line them up on a plate or tray and pop them in the fridge.
The extra time will allow the meat to relax, and they cook best when cold.
- Add extra flavor with spices and sauces.
You can really get creative with what’s in your spice cabinet — paprika (sweet or smoked), cumin, oregano, and even curry powder!
And if you’re missing that classic meatloaf glaze, mix up a batch and brush it onto the patties as they’re cooking.
Wait until after you flip them, or the sauce will stick to the skillet and burn.
You can also add some ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce (or a mixture of all 3!) to your bread along with the mayonnaise. Up to you!
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
As with any meat, that extra time allows the juices to redistribute through the patties so every bite is as juicy as the last.
5 minutes is plenty of time, but you may want to tent them with foil if you plan on doubling or tripling this recipe. That’ll keep them warm while you cook the others!
Prep Ahead
- Mix and form patties
- Wash and tear lettuce
- Slice onion and tomatoes
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Mixing Bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Cast Iron Grill Pan – Makes it easy to get that yummy charred flavor without having to step outside your kitchen! You can use a regular Skillet too.
- Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
Serving Suggestions
Spread mayonnaise on toasted sandwich bread or buns, then layer on lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion before topping with the patties.
You can certainly pick and choose which toppings to use if there’s something you don’t like — or add some extras like ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and more.
But even the best meatloaf sandwich is only as good as its sides!
Classics like french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings are always welcome or add a bowl of crunchy coleslaw as a refreshing contrast.
Mac and cheese makes this meal extra indulgent, and for larger crowds, you can’t go wrong with some smoked baked beans or a big bowl of potato salad.
Storing and Reheating Fried Meatloaf Sandwich
It’s best to store the patties and sandwich toppings separately, so only assemble what you plan to eat.
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 1-2 months.
Freeze them on a lined pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for best results.
To reheat, warm fried meatloaf sandwich patties in a skillet over medium heat or wrap individual patties in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe FAQ
Absolutely! Clean and preheat your grill, then cook meatloaf sandwich patties over medium-high heat until cooked through.
I recommended lightly coating the grill with oil so the patties don’t stick!
Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked through. It should read 160°F when inserted into the very center.
You can also check by sight. Meatloaf sandwich patties are done when they are browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
Yes, you can prepare and shape the patties and then store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic (especially if freezing) or store in an airtight container so they don’t dry out.
Thaw frozen patties in the fridge, then cook just before serving and assemble your fried meatloaf sandwich!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Best Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe + Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sandwich Ingredients:
- 8 slices sandwich bread, toasted
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 thin slices red onion
- 4 tomato slices
- mayonnaise, for spreading
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about the same size as your sandwich bread.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatloaf patties and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Toast the sandwich bread slices until lightly golden brown, spread mayonnaise on one side of each toasted bread slice.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom slice of bread, followed by a meatloaf patty, a slice of red onion, and a tomato slice. Top with the remaining toasted bread slice, mayonnaise side down. Repeat the assembly process for the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately while the patties are still warm, enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2024
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