Quick & Juicy Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a meatloaf grilled cheese sandwich transforms classic comfort food into an unexpected culinary adventure.

Melted cheese and hearty meat create a delightful harmony on toasted bread.

Crispy edges and gooey centers promise pure satisfaction with every bite.

Home cooks can elevate their lunch game by blending two beloved favorites into one irresistible dish.

Robust flavors and textures make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings.

Layers of savory meatloaf nestled between golden, buttery bread will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist this deliciously indulgent creation that brings excitement to your meal routine.

Why Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Is A Comfort Food Classic

• Craft Homemade Comfort: Transform ordinary ingredients into a delightful meatloaf grilled cheese that screams pure culinary creativity.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare a hearty sandwich packed with rich flavors that will keep your family happily fed in minimal cooking time.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust seasonings, cheese types, or bread choices to match personal taste preferences and ingredient availability.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilize simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, basic spices, and standard cheese to create a restaurant-worthy meal without breaking the bank.

Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich, savory flavor for the meatloaf and sandwich.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that add depth and aromatic complexity to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the ground beef.

• Egg: A key ingredient that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds moisture to the meat mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful layer in the grilled sandwich.
• Bread Slices: The perfect vehicle for holding the meatloaf and creating a crispy, golden exterior.

• Butter, Olive Oil: A combination that provides rich flavor and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown toast on the bread.

How To Put Together Meatloaf Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Mixing Meaty Magic

In a large bowl, blend ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to ensure every bit of meat gets coated with seasonings. If desired, crack an egg into the mixture to help bind everything together and keep the meat super moist.

Step 2: Shaping the Perfect Loaf

Gently form the seasoned meat into a uniform loaf shape. Aim for an even thickness so the meatloaf cooks consistently throughout.

Step 3: Baking the Meatloaf

Slide the meatloaf into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 4: Preparing Sandwich Components

After the meatloaf cools slightly, slice it into thin, even pieces that will nestle perfectly between bread slices.

Step 5: Crafting the Skillet Base

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt a combination of butter and olive oil to create a golden, flavorful cooking surface.

Step 6: Building Cheesy Masterpieces

• Cheddar cheese
• Meatloaf slices

Step 7: Grilling to Perfection

Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side. Gently press with a spatula to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove from heat when the cheese melts completely and the bread turns a deep golden color. Let the sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serving Up Deliciousness

Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve hot. Watch as the melted cheese and savory meatloaf interior create a mouthwatering moment.

Tips For Cooking Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Perfectly

• Boost Meat Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the ground beef's taste profile.
• Bind with Precision: Use an egg or breadcrumbs to ensure the meatloaf holds together perfectly without falling apart during cooking.
• Control Moisture Magic: Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent a dense, tough texture and maintain a tender, juicy meatloaf.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother, more even melting between bread slices.
• Rest and Slice Smartly: Allow the meatloaf and sandwich to rest briefly before cutting to lock in juices and create cleaner, more appealing portions.

New Takes On Meatloaf Grilled Cheese

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf Grilled Cheese: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread slices and use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Meatless Loaf Sandwich: Substitute ground beef with lentil or mushroom-based meatless loaf, using plant-based cheese for a completely meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bread Melt
• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf Melt: Incorporate jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of chili powder to the meat mixture for a zesty flavor profile.

Tasty Pairings With Meatloaf Grilled Cheese

• Craft Bold Red Wine Pairing: Robust cabernet sauvignon cuts through the rich, meaty sandwich with its tannic structure and dark fruit notes, complementing the hearty flavors perfectly.
• Serve Crisp Pickle Sides: Tangy dill pickles provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the creamy cheese and dense meatloaf, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match Zesty Tomato Soup: Smooth, slightly spicy tomato soup creates a classic comfort food combination, echoing the sandwich's warmth and adding a vibrant liquid companion to the meal.
• Select Craft Beer Option: Amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones enhances the sandwich's savory profile, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy dish.

How To Store Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Properly

• Store leftover meatloaf and sandwiches in airtight containers, separating bread and filling to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual meatloaf slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent dryness.
• Warm meatloaf slices in preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Meatloaf Grilled Cheese FAQ List

• What ingredients enhance the flavor of the ground beef?

Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper provide a well-rounded seasoning that adds depth and richness to the meat mixture.

• Why is egg sometimes added to the meatloaf mixture?

The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry or crumbly during cooking.

• How do I ensure the meatloaf cooks evenly?

Create a uniform thickness when shaping the meatloaf and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee proper doneness and food safety.

• What's the key to getting a perfect golden-brown grilled cheese?

Use a combination of butter and olive oil in the skillet, and grill the sandwich over medium heat while gently pressing with a spatula to achieve a crispy, evenly toasted exterior.

Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty comfort meets gourmet delight in this meatloaf grilled cheese sandwich, blending classic diner nostalgia with rich, savory flavors. Melted cheese and perfectly seasoned meatloaf create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bread
• 1/4 cup cooked meatloaf

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding and Moisture:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat mixture.
2. If using egg, incorporate it into the meat mixture to help bind the ingredients and enhance moisture.
3. Shape the seasoned ground beef into a compact meatloaf, creating a uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the meatloaf for approximately 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Allow the meatloaf to cool slightly, then slice into thin, even portions that will fit perfectly between bread slices.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding butter and olive oil to create a rich, golden cooking surface.
7. Place bread slices in the skillet, layering cheddar cheese and meatloaf slices on each piece of bread.
8. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
9. Remove from heat when cheese is completely melted and bread is toasted to a deep golden color.
10. Let the grilled cheese rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing diagonally to serve hot and showcase the melted cheese and savory meatloaf interior.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture is thoroughly mixed to distribute seasonings evenly, preventing bland bites and guaranteeing consistent flavor throughout the meatloaf.
• Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the meat mixture for extra binding and a lighter, more tender texture that prevents dense, heavy meatloaf.
• Choose a sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the robust flavor of the meatloaf, creating a more complex and satisfying sandwich experience.
• Consider low-fat ground beef or turkey as a healthier alternative without compromising the rich, comforting taste of the classic meatloaf grilled cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg