Meatloaf with Cheddar, Bacon, and Tomato Relish
While we provide a meatloaf recipe here, we know how particular people are about their meatloaf recipes, so feel free to use your own. You’ll often want to make this sandwich with cold, leftover meatloaf, which is perfect because it’s easier to slice. But how to heat it up without drying it out? This is where the liquid from the tomato relish comes in: Put the meatloaf slices into the sauce and pop them into the microwave or oven. The meatloaf is gently heated, absorbing all the flavor and moisture of the sauce. Now just layer on some aged Cheddar, bacon, if you like, and the tomato relish, and you have a hearty sandwich—the ultimate comfort food.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in the oil until golden. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes (be careful not to burn the garlic). Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the beef, eggs, onion bread crumbs, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper. Form a loaf (approximately 7 x 5 x 3 inches in size) and place it in a roasting pan. Cover the loaf evenly with the ketchup. Bake for about 1 hour, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove and allow to rest slightly, then cut into 1/2-inch slices.
Step 4
In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 5
Slice the ciabatta rolls in half. Top each bottom half with a slice of warm meatloaf and the cheese. Place the relish on the top halves and top with the bacon. Place all the roll pieces in the 350°F oven and remove once the cheese has melted and the relish is heated through. Close the sandwiches, cut into halves, and serve.
