What To Make With Meatloaf Mix Besides Meatloaf?

Meatloaf mix – that versatile blend of ground meats – is often associated with the classic comfort food, meatloaf. However, this unique mixture of beef, pork, and sometimes veal can be utilized in an array of delicious dishes that go beyond the traditional loaf. 

In this blog article, I’ll explore some exciting and unexpected culinary ventures that you can embark on using meatloaf mix. From tacos to casseroles, appetizers to breakfast options, your kitchen is about to become a canvas for creativity.

What To Make With Meatloaf Mix Besides Meatloaf – 25+ Ideas For You

Meatloaf mix, typically a combination of ground beef, pork, and sometimes veal, can be used in various delicious recipes besides traditional meatloaf. Here are some ideas:

Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of meatloaf mix, cooked rice, diced vegetables, and tomato sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender and the meat is cooked through.

Meatballs: Roll the meatloaf mix into meatballs and cook them in your favorite sauce, such as marinara for spaghetti and meatballs or a sweet and sour sauce for an appetizer.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Use the meatloaf mix to create a filling for cabbage leaves. Roll them up, place in a baking dish, and bake with tomato sauce.

Shepherd’s Pie: Create a flavorful filling by sautéing the meatloaf mix with onions, carrots, and peas. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until the top is golden brown.

Bolognese Sauce: Brown the meatloaf mix and then simmer it with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs to make a rich and hearty meat sauce for pasta.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Remove the stems from large mushrooms and stuff them with a mixture of the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Bake until the mushrooms are tender.

Meatloaf Burgers: Form the mixture into burger patties and grill or cook them in a skillet. Serve them as you would regular burgers, with your favorite toppings.

Taco Filling: Cook the meatloaf mix with taco seasoning and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Top with your choice of toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Asian-style Stir-fry: Sauté the meatloaf mix with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Add a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve over rice or noodles.

Savory Pies: Use the meatloaf mix as a filling for savory pies or turnovers. Add sautéed vegetables, cheese, and seasonings before baking in pastry dough.

Homemade Meat Sauce: Cook the meatloaf mix with onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes to make a hearty meat sauce for pasta or lasagna.

Casseroles: Incorporate the meatloaf mix into casseroles along with vegetables, pasta, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Meatloaf Sliders: Make mini meatloaf patties and serve them on slider buns with your favorite condiments and toppings. They’re perfect for parties or as a fun twist on traditional burgers.

Meatloaf Hash: Turn leftover meatloaf mix into a hearty breakfast hash by sautéing it with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Top with fried eggs for a satisfying morning meal.

Meatloaf Tacos: Use the meatloaf mix as a taco filling and serve it in taco shells or soft tortillas. Top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole for a unique twist on taco night.

Meatloaf Meatballs Sub: Make meatballs from the meatloaf mix, simmer them in marinara sauce, and place them in a sub roll. Top with melted cheese for a meatball sub with a twist.

Meatloaf Quiche: Create a savory quiche by mixing the meatloaf mix with beaten eggs, milk, and your choice of vegetables and cheese. Pour into a pie crust and bake until set.

Meatloaf and Pasta Bake: Combine cooked pasta, diced meatloaf mix, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a comforting pasta casserole.

Meatloaf Stuffed Potatoes: Bake or microwave large russet potatoes until tender, then scoop out the centers. Mix the scooped-out potato with the meatloaf mix, cheese, and herbs, then stuff the mixture back into the potato skins. Bake until heated through.

Meatloaf Sloppy Joes: Sauté the meatloaf mix with onions, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Serve the mixture on hamburger buns for a meaty twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich.

Meatloaf Frittata: Turn the meatloaf mix into a frittata by sautéing it with onions and other vegetables. Pour beaten eggs over the mixture and cook until set in the oven or on the stovetop.

Meatloaf-stuffed Ravioli: Make a filling from the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Use this filling to stuff fresh pasta dough to create delicious homemade ravioli.

Meatloaf Casserole with Mashed Potatoes: Layer a baking dish with cooked meatloaf mix, vegetables, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden and serve as a comforting one-dish meal.

Meatloaf and Rice Skillet: Sauté the meatloaf mix with onions and garlic, then add cooked rice and your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Season with soy sauce and other Asian-inspired flavors.

Meatloaf Wellington: Wrap the meatloaf mix in puff pastry along with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Bake until the pastry is golden and crispy, creating an elegant dish reminiscent of Beef Wellington.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas, adjusting flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. The versatility of meatloaf mix opens up a world of culinary possibilities beyond the traditional meatloaf.

Also Read: What To Do With Leftover Marinade – Can Marinade Be Reused?

Can I use meatloaf mix to make tacos?

Yes, you can definitely use meatloaf mix to make tacos! While meatloaf mix is typically a blend of ground meats like beef, pork, and sometimes veal, it can be a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes beyond just meatloaf.

Is it possible to make meatballs with meatloaf mix?

Absolutely, you can definitely make meatballs using meatloaf mix! In fact, meatloaf mix, which usually includes a blend of ground meats like beef, pork, and sometimes veal, can be a great base for making flavorful and juicy meatballs. 

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal blend)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
• Add the meatloaf mix, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
• Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil.
• Shape the meat mixture into meatballs of your desired size. You can make them small for appetizers or larger for main dishes.
• Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs.
• Once cooked, you can serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce, such as marinara sauce for spaghetti and meatballs, or use them in sandwiches, subs, or appetizers.

Enjoy your homemade meatballs!

Also Read: What To Do With Leftover Gyro Meat – 15 Delicious Ideas

How can I turn meatloaf mix into a breakfast option?

Turning meatloaf mix into a breakfast option can be a creative and tasty way to enjoy a hearty morning meal. Here’s how you can transform meatloaf mix into a delicious breakfast dish:

Meatloaf Mix Breakfast Hash:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal blend)
• 2 cups diced potatoes (such as russet or Yukon gold)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Optional toppings: fried or poached eggs, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Meatloaf Mix: In a bowl, season the meatloaf mix with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Shape small portions of the mixture into meatballs.
• Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
• Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. You can cover the skillet to speed up the cooking process, stirring occasionally.
• Add Vegetables: Push the potatoes to the side of the skillet and add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
• Season and Combine: Add minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Combine Meatballs and Hash: Gently add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet with the potato and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to combine.

Also Read: What To Do With Fallen Angel Food Cake – Creative 10 Things

Are there any pasta dishes that incorporate meatloaf mix?

Meatloaf mix can be a flavorful addition to various pasta dishes, adding richness and depth to the overall flavor. Here are some brief pasta dish ideas that incorporate meatloaf mix:

Meatloaf Mix Lasagna: Layer cooked lasagna noodles with a mixture of meatloaf mix, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Repeat the layers and bake until bubbly and golden.

Penne with Meatloaf Mix and Alfredo Sauce: Combine cooked penne pasta with sautéed meatloaf mix and creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich and satisfying pasta dish.

Meatloaf Mix Ravioli: Stuff fresh or store-bought ravioli with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, ricotta cheese, and herbs. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce.

Meatloaf Mix Carbonara: Toss cooked spaghetti with cooked and crumbled meatloaf mix, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon for a twist on the classic carbonara.

Meatloaf Mix Pasta Bake: Mix cooked pasta with sautéed meatloaf mix, your favorite pasta sauce, and some grated cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Meatloaf Mix Stroganoff: Make a hearty stroganoff sauce using sautéed meatloaf mix, onions, mushrooms, and a creamy sour cream sauce. Serve over egg noodles.

Meatloaf Mix Macaroni and Cheese: Combine cooked macaroni with a cheesy sauce and cooked meatloaf mix. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.

Can meatloaf mix be used to make stuffed vegetables?

Yes, meatloaf mix can definitely be used to make stuffed vegetables. The flavorful blend of ground meats in meatloaf mix can add richness and taste to various stuffed vegetable dishes. 

Here are some ideas for stuffed vegetables using meatloaf mix:

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of meatloaf mix, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onions, herbs, and cheese. Bake the stuffed peppers until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Stuffed Zucchini: Scoop out the flesh from zucchini halves and stuff them with a mixture of meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs. Bake the stuffed zucchini until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden.

Stuffed Tomatoes: Core tomatoes and fill them with a mixture of meatloaf mix, cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, feta cheese, and seasonings. Bake the stuffed tomatoes until they’re soft and the filling is heated.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Remove the stems from large mushrooms and fill the caps with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and garlic. Bake the stuffed mushrooms until the tops are golden.

Stuffed Eggplant: Cut eggplants in half and scoop out the flesh, leaving a shell. Fill the eggplant halves with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, diced eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Roast the stuffed eggplants until they’re tender.

Can meatloaf mix be utilized in appetizers?

Yes, meatloaf mix can be used to create delicious and flavorful appetizers. The blend of ground meats in meatloaf mix can add a rich and savory taste to a variety of bite-sized dishes. Here are a few ideas for using meatloaf mix in appetizers:

Mini Meatloaf Bites

Make mini meatloaf bites by shaping small portions of seasoned meatloaf mix into bite-sized balls or patties. Bake or cook them in a skillet until they’re cooked through. Serve them with toothpicks as a tasty appetizer option.

Meatball Skewers

Roll seasoned meatloaf mix into small meatballs and skewer them with toothpicks. Serve them with dipping sauces like marinara, barbecue sauce, or a creamy dip.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Create stuffed mushrooms by filling mushroom caps with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and herbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

Meatloaf Sliders

Make mini meatloaf sliders by placing small portions of meatloaf mix on slider buns. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.

Meatloaf-Stuffed Peppers

Hollow out mini bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, rice, diced vegetables, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender.

Meatloaf Poppers

Create meatloaf poppers by forming small meatloaf mix balls and wrapping them in bacon. Secure with toothpicks and bake until the bacon is crispy.

Meatloaf-Stuffed Jalapeños

Hollow out jalapeño peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix and cream cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated.

Meatloaf-Stuffed Potato Skins

Scoop out the insides of mini potato skins and fill them with a mixture of cooked meatloaf mix, cheese, and sour cream. Bake until the cheese is melted.

Meatloaf Dip

Create a warm meatloaf dip by mixing cooked and crumbled meatloaf mix with cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Serve with crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables.

Meatloaf-Stuffed Biscuits

Stuff refrigerated biscuit dough with small portions of cooked meatloaf mix and cheese. Bake until the biscuits are golden and the filling is heated.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The versatility of meatloaf mix allows you to experiment and create a wide range of appetizers that are sure to be a hit at your gatherings and parties.

Can meatloaf mix be used for both savory and sweet dishes?

While meatloaf mix is typically used for savory dishes due to its blend of ground meats, it’s possible to use it in some sweet dishes as well, although this might not be as common. The rich flavors of meatloaf mix might not always complement sweet dishes perfectly, but with the right combination of ingredients, you can create some unique and interesting sweet-savory flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Meatloaf mix is a culinary chameleon that invites you to think beyond the conventional. From reinventing tacos to crafting savory-sweet creations, the possibilities are endless. By exploring these exciting options, you’ll not only expand your culinary horizons but also create dishes that are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. 

So, the next time you find yourself with a package of meatloaf mix, don’t just think meatloaf – let your imagination run wild and see where your culinary journey takes you!