Leftover Meatloaf Casserole: Comfort Food Reinvented

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but what do you do with the leftovers? Enter the meatloaf casserole – a delicious and resourceful way to transform leftover meatloaf into a brand new, satisfying meal. This recipe is designed to be adaptable, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. Let’s turn those leftovers into a culinary masterpiece!

Why Make a Meatloaf Casserole?

* **Reduces Food Waste:** It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover meatloaf, preventing food waste and saving you money.
* **Quick and Easy:** This casserole comes together quickly, especially since the meat is already cooked.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
* **Comfort Food:** It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this familiar and comforting dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is designed to be flexible, but here’s a basic list of ingredients to get you started. Amounts can be adjusted depending on how much leftover meatloaf you have and the size of your casserole dish.

* **Leftover Meatloaf:** About 2-3 cups, crumbled or cubed. This is the star of the show!
* **Potatoes:** 2-3 medium, peeled and cubed. You can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes.
* **Vegetables:** 1-2 cups of mixed vegetables. Consider frozen peas and carrots, corn, green beans, or diced bell peppers. Fresh vegetables like broccoli florets or cauliflower also work well, but may need to be partially cooked beforehand.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds flavor and depth.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. For extra flavor.
* **Cheese:** 1-2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well.
* **Sauce:** About 1-2 cups. Options include:
* **Tomato Sauce/Marinara Sauce:** A classic choice that complements the meatloaf.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Creates a creamy and comforting casserole.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** Adds a smoky and tangy flavor.
* **Brown Gravy:** A hearty and savory option.
* **Cheese Sauce:** For an extra cheesy casserole.
* **Milk or Broth:** About 1/4 cup. Used to thin out the sauce if needed.
* **Butter or Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, crispy fried onions, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives).

Equipment

* **Casserole Dish:** A 9×13 inch casserole dish is ideal, but any similar size will work.
* **Large Skillet or Pan:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Potato Peeler:** For peeling potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make a delicious and comforting meatloaf casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

* Peel the potatoes and cut them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. The size doesn’t have to be exact, but try to keep them relatively uniform so they cook evenly.
* Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes well.

**Why pre-cook the potatoes?** Pre-cooking ensures that the potatoes are tender and cooked through by the time the casserole is finished baking. If you skip this step, the potatoes may still be hard in the center.

**Alternative Method (Microwave):** You can also microwave the potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Add any other fresh vegetables you are using, such as diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or cauliflower. Cook until they are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen vegetables, you can add them directly to the casserole without pre-cooking.
* Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.

**Why Sauté the Vegetables?** Sautéing the vegetables softens them and brings out their flavor, resulting in a more flavorful casserole. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but the casserole will be more delicious if you take the time to sauté the vegetables.

**Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf**

* Crumble or cube the leftover meatloaf. You want to break it up into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
* If the meatloaf is very dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of sauce to help moisten it.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease your casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sautéed vegetables, crumbled meatloaf, and any frozen vegetables you are using.
* Pour the sauce over the mixture. Use enough sauce to coat the ingredients evenly, but not so much that the casserole is swimming in sauce. Add milk or broth to thin out the sauce if necessary. Stir gently to combine.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
* If desired, add any optional toppings such as bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions.

**Layering Option:** Instead of mixing all the ingredients together, you can layer them in the casserole dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of vegetables, then a layer of meatloaf, and finally the sauce and cheese. This can create a more visually appealing casserole.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

* Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
* If the top of the casserole is not browning sufficiently, you can broil it for the last minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
* Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Add Different Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetable choices! Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and eggplant are all great additions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Gruyere, and provolone are all delicious options.
* **Add a Crust:** Top the casserole with a layer of mashed potatoes, biscuit dough, or puff pastry for a heartier meal.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping. Ensure that your sauce is also gluten-free.
* **Add Beans:** Incorporate canned beans, like kidney beans or black beans, for added protein and fiber.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** While this recipe focuses on leftover meatloaf, you can easily adapt it for a vegetarian meal. Substitute the meatloaf with lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat alternative.
* **Use Different Starches:** Instead of potatoes, try using sweet potatoes, rice, or pasta as the base of the casserole.
* **Add a Fried Egg:** Top each serving with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
* **Make it in Individual Dishes:** Divide the casserole mixture into individual ramekins or small baking dishes for easy portion control and presentation.
* **Topping Ideas:** Consider using potato chips, corn flakes, or even tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
* **Use a Slow Cooker:** This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the baking time.

Storage Instructions

Leftover meatloaf casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve with a side salad.
* Offer crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
* Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
* Accompany with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Meatloaf Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 cups leftover meatloaf, crumbled or cubed
* 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1-2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans, etc.)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
* 1-2 cups tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, or barbecue sauce
* 1/4 cup milk or broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
* 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, crispy fried onions, chopped fresh herbs

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (8-10 minutes). Drain.
3. Sauté onion in butter/oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add fresh vegetables and cook until slightly softened.
4. Crumble or cube leftover meatloaf.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, sautéed vegetables, crumbled meatloaf, and any frozen vegetables.
6. Pour sauce over the mixture, adding milk/broth to thin if needed. Stir gently to combine.
7. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and optional toppings.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving of meatloaf casserole contains approximately:

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams

Conclusion

This leftover meatloaf casserole recipe is a delicious, easy, and adaptable way to reinvent your leftovers. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, the next time you have leftover meatloaf, don’t throw it away – turn it into a comforting and satisfying casserole! Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and making it your own. Happy cooking!