8 Things You Never Thought to Make with Leftover Meatloaf

When you think of meatloaf as simply seasoned ground meat, the possibilities for turning yesterday's dinner into today's lunch are exponentially multiplied. Make hearty minestrone, beefy fried rice and more; there's life beyond the simple meatloaf-and-ketchup sandwich.

Photography by Matt Armendariz

Saute crumbled meatloaf with plenty of diced onions, bell peppers and potatoes. Serve with a fried egg on top and you've got a sizzling breakfast skillet to start the day off right.

Soften cored bell peppers in the microwave, then load them up with diced meatloaf, tomato sauce, shredded pepper Jack, and cooked rice or orzo. Top with more cheese and bake uncovered until warmed through and melty.

Break up a few slices of meatloaf in a pot of your favorite tomato sauce. Spike the mixture with some aromatic herbs if you have them — think basil or parsley — and toss with cooked spaghetti. Don't forget the Parmesan!

Combine meatloaf chunks with jarred black bean salsa, chili powder and sauteed onions in a skillet (add a little water to loosen if you like). Simmer, then tuck the mixture into hard-shell tacos. Garnish with fresh cilantro, guacamole, sour cream and pickled jalapenos.

Upgrade a pot of classic minestrone with chunks of meatloaf and a sprinkle of pecorino. Think of them as asymmetrical meatballs.

Sub meatloaf for leftover lamb in this comfort food classic: To a combo of sauteed onions, garlic, carrots and peas (or almost any leftover vegetables), add crumbled meatloaf and tomato paste. Loosen it up with a little broth and simmer before transferring to ramekins or a casserole dish. A layer of creamy mashed potatoes is the finishing touch. Bake until piping hot.

In need of a quick-fix meal? Tuck a slice of meatloaf between your American singles and white bread for a grilled cheese sammie with a beefy bite pretty similar to that of a patty melt.