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You are here: Home / Recipes / Beef

Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches

By Susie Weinrich ยท Date Feb 2, 2024ยท Leave a Comment ยท May contain affiliate links.

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Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches are the perfect combination of a small handheld sandwich and meatloaf, one of your favorite comfort food dinners! Tasty meatloaf cups, topped with caramelized ketchup are placed on slider buns and topped with melty cheese.

The best part is you donโ€™t have to wait for leftover meatloaf, the recipe includes a quick and easy way to make meatloaf!

twelve meatloaf sliders on a baking sheet

If you love slider sandwiches, also check out these BBQ Chicken Sliders!

This Slider Recipe will also work with slices of Italian Meatloaf, Classic Meatloaf or Meatloaf Muffin Cups, or Turkey Meatloaf Muffins.

Table of Contents hide
1 Why These Are So Good!!
2 Ingredients
3 Slider Buns
4 Meatloaf Topping
5 Step by Step Picture Instructions
6 Make Ahead
7 Meatloaf Sliders Appetizer
8 Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches for Dinner
9 Recipe Tips
10 More Delicious Comfort Food Dinner Recipes
11 Did you make this recipe?
12 Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches

Why These Are So Good!!

  • With this recipe you donโ€™t have to wait for leftover meatloaf to make Meatloaf Sandwiches!
  • Making the meatloaf in a muffin tin makes them the right size for the slider buns.
  • The Meatloaf recipe is DELICIOUS!
  • It is made with really simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
  • Makes a great dinner or appetizer.
  • Can be made ahead for easy dinner prep.

Ingredients

Pictured are the ingredients that you need to make Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches, plus some tips on a few ingredients:

Ingredients for Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches with text labels

Ground Beef or Turkey- You can absolutely use ground beef or turkey in this recipe. If using ground beef use a 85/15 or 90/10 to make sure your meatloaf is not too greasy. If using ground turkey purchase a 93/7 for the most flavor and moisture, avoid the 99% lean ground turkey.

Panko Bread Crumbs- Use a panko bread crumb, not traditional bread crumbs. The panko is perfect to create a panade with the milk. It keeps your meatloaf cups tender and juicy (we use this technique in a lot of ground meat recipes, like Italian Meatballs and Baked Chicken Meatballs).

panko bread crumbs mixed with milk

Provolone- We like to use provolone. However, cheddar or other cheeses will work too. Use what you have!

Slider Buns

Slider buns are basically a smaller version of a hamburger bun. Sliders have become so popular that they started making โ€œslider bunsโ€, Pepperidge Farm makes a great one.

However, we do love using the Kingโ€™s Hawaiian Savory Butter Buns. They come attached in one pan, which makes them very easy to work with!

We recommend slicing the top buns from the bottom buns in one piece. See the photo below for reference:

King's Hawaiian savory butter buns on a baking sheet

Meatloaf Topping

Ketchup is a traditional and easy topping for Meatloaf. The sugars in the ketchup caramelize in the oven and become sweet and tangy.

If there is a different meatloaf topping that you like, by all means use what you like.

Step by Step Picture Instructions

Start by making the meatloaf cups, bake, then assemble the sliders, bake again and serve!

  • Combine the panko crumbs and milk (panade), set aside to thicken.
  • In a skillet soften the onions in oil, then add the tomato paste, garlic, and Worcestershire.
  • Now in a bowl combine the egg, panko mixture, onion mixture, seasonings and beef.
ground beef, onion mixture, egg, panade and spices in a bowl
hands combining meatloaf mix in a bowl
  • Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with non stick spray.
  • Portion the beef mixture into the muffin cup, about ยผ each. Then press down lightly on each cup.
  • Top with ketchup and then bake for 25 minutes at 400.
topping meatloaf muffin cups with ketchup
  • Place the baked meatloaf on the slider buns, top with cheese, then brush the top buns with melted butter.
  • Pop back in the oven for 5 minutes.
  • Time to serve!
placing meatloaf muffins on slider buns
topping sliders with cheese
brushing the top of slider buns with melted butter

Make Ahead

You can definitely make these Meatloaf Slider ahead of time, which makes them a great weeknight dinner recipe.

Simply prepare the meatloaf cups and bake completely. Cool them and then pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4 meatloaf slider sandwiches on a plate

When it is time to eat preheat the oven to 350.

Warm the meatloaf cups in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to take the chill off.

Place them on the slider buns, top with cheese, then brush the top bun with melted butter. Pop in the oven for 8-10 minutes and dinner is ready!

Meatloaf Sliders Appetizer

These sliders make a great addition to an appetizer party, perfect for game day! Here are some other appetizers you could pair with these sandwiches:

  • spinach artichoke dip in a baking dish with a scoop taken out
    Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Classic Deviled Eggs garnished with paprika
    Classic Deviled Eggs
  • buffalo chicken nachos with toppings being grabbed by a hand
    Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches for Dinner

Meatloaf Sandwiches also make a great dinner. Plan to serve 1-2 per kid and 2-3 per adult.

pulling a meatloaf slider from the tray and cheese is stringing between sandwiches

Since this is a pretty casual dinner recipe you can serve it with chips or fries and raw veggies with dip.

Recipe Tips

  • Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef. An 80/20 ground beef may make your meatloaf cups too greasy.
  • Sub ground turkey for a healthier option. Just make sure you use 93/7 ground turkey, not 99% lean!
  • Lightly press down on your meatloaf cups before baking, it makes them a little more dense, perfect for meatloaf sandwich sliders!
  • Donโ€™t forget to spray your muffin tin with non stick spray so they remove from the tin easily.

More Delicious Comfort Food Dinner Recipes

  • a large bowl filled with mashed potatoes topped with Swedish Meatballs
    Next Level Swedish Meatballs
  • Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie in a cast iron skillet
    Ground Turkey Shepherdโ€™s Pie
  • turkey pot pie with a slice taken out
    Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
  • chicken tetrazzini in a casserole dish
    Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipeโ†’
meatloaf slider sandwiches on a plate with beers and chips in the background

Meatloaf Slider Sandwiches

Delicious meatloaf muffin cups are added to slider buns and topped with melty cheese and buttery buns. It is a perfect appetizer or fun dinner recipe!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cooling: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 slider sandwiches
Calories: 352kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • 12 cup muffin tin
  • Large rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow or white onion - finely diced
  • 2 plump garlic cloves - minced
  • 1 ยฝ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ยฝ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ยผ cup milk
  • 1.5 lbs. ground beef - I like to use 85/15
  • 1 egg - lightly beaten
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 12 slider buns - (see notes)
  • 6 provolone slices - (cheddar works too!)
  • 2 tablespoon butter - melted
  • non stick spray

Instructions
 

Meatloaf

  • Preheat the oven to 400ยฐ, prep a muffin tin by spraying with non-stick spray.
  • In a small bowl combine the panko crumbs and milk, stir and set aside.
    ยฝ cup panko bread crumbs, ยผ cup milk
  • In a small skillet over medium heat sautรฉ the onions in the oil, about 5 minutes.
    Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic, tomato paste and Worcestershire.
    Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
    2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup yellow or white onion, 2 plump garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 ยฝ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • In a large bowl combine the panko mixture, egg, onion mixture, salt, black pepper and onion powder.
    Add the ground beef and with a fork or clean hands, mix just until it is combined.
    1 egg, ยฝ teaspoon salt, ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, ยฝ teaspoon onion powder, 1.5 lbs. ground beef
  • Divide the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, scooping about ยผ cup of meatloaf mixture into each cup. Press down lightly on each cup.
    Top each cup with 1 tablespoon ketchup.
    1 cup ketchup
    topping meatloaf muffin cups with ketchup
  • Bake at 400, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
    Place the muffin tin on a large rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills in the oven.
    You can check that they are cooked through with an instant read thermometer, they should register at least 165 degrees. If your meat was extra cold it may take 30-35 minutes to cook through.
  • Let the meatloaf cool for about 5 minutes.

Assembly

  • If your slider buns came as one piece, like the Kings Hawaiian Savory Butter Buns, just slice the top buns from the bottom buns in one layer, keeping the 12 buns attached.
    12 slider buns
    King's Hawaiian savory butter buns on a baking sheet
  • Place the bottom buns on a large rimmed baking sheet. Top each one with a meatloaf muffin.
    Add more ketchup or BBQ sauce if desired.
    Evenly distribute the cheese slices across the meatloaf.
    6 provolone slices
  • Place the top buns on, brush the tops of the buns with melted butter.
    2 tablespoon butter
  • Place in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese starts to melt.

Serving

  • Slice the sliders apart with a serrated knife.
  • Serve 1-2 sliders per kid, and 2-3 sliders per adult.
  • They make a great addition to an appetizer party (perfect football game food)!!
    For dinner serve with chips or fries and raw veggies with dip.

Reheating

  • To reheat a lot of meatloaf slider sandwiches place them on a rimmed baking sheet, cover with foil and bake at 350 until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
  • To reheat one or two sliders, cover with a damp paper towel and pop in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Make Ahead

  • To make these ahead, simply prepare and bake the meatloaf muffin cups. Then cool and pop in the fridge.
  • When it is time to serve preheat the oven to 350.
    Heat the meatloaf cups in the microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds up to 2 minutes.
    Place the meatloaf and cheese on the slider buns, brush the top buns with butter. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melty and the meatloaf muffins are warmed through.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Slider Buns: Try to purchase slider buns that come attached in one piece, like the Savory Butter Kingโ€™s Hawaiian Buns. The Pepperidge Farm Slider Buns will work too!
Turkey: You can also use ground turkey for this recipe, just make sure you purchase 93/7 ground turkey for the best flavor.
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
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Serving: 1slider | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

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