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The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

By: Nicole 43 Comments
Posted: 08/06/14 Updated: 03/30/15

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Meatloaf Sandwich with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella

So I know meatloaf isn’t exactly glamorous, or particularly summery for that matter, but we enjoyed this meal so much that I felt inclined to share. Plus, it’s the ultimate manly man meal, which we, including those that aren’t manly men, or men at all, need every once in a while.

The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese
It all started when my best friend had a baby – a perfect, tiny, angel of a baby named Jax. Seeing as having a baby is kind of a life-altering event in ones life, one which leaves you fatigued, drained and covered in spit up; a group of our girlfriends and Angie’s family decided to put together a meal train of sorts. Even though we can’t take the sleepless nights away, or change a bazillion diapers, the least we can do is to take away one stressful part of the day – dinner time – and leave Mom and Dad plenty of time to focus on their new bundle of joy.

Of course, I wanted to give them meals that they would actually enjoy – did they want casseroles? Healthy dishes? Chicken? Beef? Salads? Soups? But after much poking and prodding of the mama-to-be she was unrelenting in revealing what kind of food they would want, always responding with an, “Anything is perfect!” So I switched gears, and decided to go to the person I knew wouldn’t hold back – her husband, who also happens to be one my husband’s best friends (Just like in the movies!). When I casually asked him what he would want, he immediately offered up meatloaf, and what do you know, my husband’s ears immediately perked up as well. There would be meatloaf for all!

The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

I went with a pretty standard meatloaf preparation, adapted from the queens of meatloaf making, my Mother and Miss Ina. I started out with a somewhat lean mix of ground beef, half 86% lean, and half 90% lean, I didn’t want to go completely lean, and take away the flavor of the beef, which is obviously what you want to shine through in a MEATloaf. If you must (and sometimes I do), you can use ground sirloin, but you may have to adjust the liquid ingredients to keep the interior nice and moist.

For added flavor I use a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
To ensure maximum moisture, I used a little trick I learned from Tyler Florence; instead of using straight dry breadcrumbs, I soak torn white bread in a little bit of milk, and then add it to the meat mixture – results in a super moist and soft texture every single time. Three eggs are added to bind everything together, and then of course, plenty of salty is thrown in for seasoning.

The topping is simple, and how my Mom always makes her meatloaf, it’s just two ingredients – ketchup and plenty of brown sugar. I like this versus straight ketchup, because the brown sugar almost caramelizes in the oven giving the top a sticky and sweet, yet savory finishing touch that my family loves.

The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

Now, I’m giving you a warning, this makes A LOT, obviously, because I’m making meatloaf sandwiches out of the leftovers today. But honestly, I like it that way, because what is meatloaf without leftover meatloaf sandwiches? These are pretty straightforward, the leftover meatloaf is smothered in sliced mozzarella cheese, popped into the (gasp!) microwave and then topped with homemade crispy fried onions (essential) and smooshed between two slices of plain ol’ country white bread.

Simple, homey and oh-so delicious…

The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

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Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

Ingredients

    Meatloaf:
  • 3 pounds ground beef 86% lean
  • 1 pound groun beef 90% lean
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (about two cups)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoon chicken stock
  • 3 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 cups, ketchup divided (1/2 cup in the loaf the other on top)
  • 3 eggs, lightly scrambled
  • 4 slices bread, torn into pieces (about 2 cups loosely packed)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ + 1/8 cup brown sugar
  • Sandwiches:
  • 20-24 slices country or ciabatta bread
  • 10-12 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large onions, sliced thin
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Canola oil for frying
  • ½ cup basil (optional)

Instructions

    Meatloaf
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, add torn bread, cover in milk, let soak for 5-10 minutes.
  3. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over a medium heat, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft, about five minutes. Add Worcestershire, tomato paste, chicken stock and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook another 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl combine meats, add onion mixture, remaining salt, eggs, bread and milk and ½ cup ketchup. Mix just until combined.
  5. On parchment paper, form into two loaves. If needed, use two sheet pans.
  6. In a small bowl combine remaining ketchup and brown sugar. Spread evenly on two meatloaves.
  7. Pop in the oven, and bake for one hour or until cooked through.
  8. You can serve the meatloaf as is, but if you want sandwiches, see below.
  9. For the sandwiches:
  10. In a medium sauté pan, heat about an inch of oil to 350 degrees.
  11. Combine flour and salt in small bowl.
  12. Add buttermilk to small bowl.
  13. Coat sliced onion in buttermilk, shaking off excess. Coat in flour, shake off excess. In batches (do not overcrowd pan), fry onions until crispy and golden brown, about 30 seconds.
  14. To assemble the sandwiches:
  15. Place meatloaf slice on bottom piece of bread and top with one slice of cheese. If you’re making only a few sandwiches, pop in the microwave for one minute until cheese is melted, then top with basil, onions and top piece of bread. If you’re feeding a crowd you can line the bread up on a baking sheet, top with meatloaf and one piece of cheese, and pop into a 350 degree oven until the cheese is melted and the meatloaf is heated through. Top with basil, onions and remaining piece of bread.
3.1
https://www.cookingforkeeps.com/best-meatloaf-meatloaf-sandwiches-crispy-onions-melted-mozzarella-cheese/

Meet Nicole

Welcome! My lifelong passion for delicious food and cooking has evolved over time into an equal love of showing you an elevated meal can be easy, approachable and most importantly, tasty. Dive in and find something perfect for you and your family!

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  1. Alyssa says

    Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:52 am

    Just one question: your recipe calls for 2 cups of ketchup, but I can only find the 1/2 cup that gets mixed in. Do you put 1 1/2 cups on top?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 8/7/14 at 2:07 pm

      Yes! You mix the remaining 1 1/2 cups with the brown sugar and then just pop it in the oven!

      Reply
  2. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    Posted on 8/7/14 at 1:56 pm

    Your friend is a lucky gal. I would gladly welcome a train of food. These hearty and meaty sammies look perfect.

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 8/7/14 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks Jennie!

      Reply
  3. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    Posted on 8/7/14 at 7:32 pm

    Do you know how on this recipe is going to be in my house? So so so so so on! HECK YEAH to this.

    Reply
  4. Justine@CookingandBeer says

    Posted on 8/7/14 at 8:10 pm

    I feel like I totally need a “manly meal” at least once a week, and I totally shouldn’t be stalking your recipe while I am so hungry that I feel like I’m going to faint, but here we are and I totally love this meatloaf! That melty cheese! Oh my!! Pinning!

    Reply
  5. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    Posted on 8/7/14 at 8:44 pm

    This sandwich looks incredible Nicole! I love meatloaf sandwiches. Those crispy onions really add a nice touch!

    Reply
  6. Allison says

    Posted on 8/8/14 at 4:46 am

    Meatloaf is one of my kids’ favorite meals of all time! I don’t think they’ve ever had the pleasure of a meatloaf sandwich though . . . I need to remedy that soon. This looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:26 pm

      Yes, you do!! Leftover meatloaf sandwiches are the best!!

      Reply
  7. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    Posted on 8/8/14 at 11:37 am

    I have NEVER seen meatloaf in such a gorgeous version!! Nicole – this is so much fun and looks delicious!!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:26 pm

      Awww thanks girly!

      Reply
  8. Sarah@RunningOnBrie says

    Posted on 8/8/14 at 1:50 pm

    These sandwiches look so tasty! This would be a new favorite dinner in my family. Meatloaf is totally under-rated right? I love your Tyler Florence trick. I’ve also started soaking breadcrumbs in milk before making meatballs and it really does make them moist and light. Great trick!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:28 pm

      Totally underrated! Thanks Sarah!

      Reply
  9. Isadora says

    Posted on 8/11/14 at 2:59 am

    These meatball sandwiches look amazing and totally glamorous! I think it is the most glamours I have ever seen meatloaf look! One of the best things about making a huge meal is having tons of leftovers and you really did these meatloaf leftovers justice 🙂

    Reply
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Meet Nicole

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