Description
This hearty Meatloaf Grilled Cheese combines the savory flavors of a classic meatloaf with the melty goodness of pepper jack cheese, all sandwiched between golden toasted bread. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this recipe features a baked meatloaf seasoned with BBQ sauce, mustard, and spices, then sliced and grilled inside a cheesy sandwich for a delicious twist on two classic favorites.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce, plus additional for topping
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› cup onion, minced
- ½ cup bread crumbs
Sandwich
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 slices bread
- Butter, for spreading on bread slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, mustard, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and minced onion. Mix thoroughly but gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly without compacting the meat too much.
- Add Bread Crumbs: Add the bread crumbs to the meat mixture and mix well to bind the mixture together.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into an oval loaf shape and place it in a 4×8 inch baking pan. Spread additional BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with foil and bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
- Rest Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice Meatloaf: After resting, slice the meatloaf into approximately ¾-inch thick slices, suitable for sandwich assembly.
- Prepare Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice to ensure a golden crisp texture when grilled.
- Assemble Sandwich: Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of bread buttered side down on the pan, then layer a slice of pepper jack cheese, followed by meatloaf slices covering the bread, another slice of pepper jack cheese, and top with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
- Grill Sandwich: Cook until the bottom bread slice is toasted and golden brown, then carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until toasted and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- Resting the meatloaf after baking helps keep it juicy and easier to slice.
- If you prefer, substitute pepper jack cheese with cheddar or your favorite meltable cheese.
- Use fresh bread crumbs for the best texture, or toast dried breadcrumbs lightly before using.
- Make sure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Butter the bread slices evenly to get a uniform golden crust while grilling.
