How To Turn Leftover Meat Loaf Into Bolognese

Welcome to Meat Loaf Week at Tasting Table! Honor your favorite comfort food with our best meat loaf recipes and ideas all week long.

One of the best parts about meat loaf is that it easily feeds a crowd. But no matter how much you plan, you're always left with a hefty amount of leftovers. While we love a good meat loaf sandwich as much as the next guy or gal, you can also mix things up by taking your leftovers and making them into a brand-new meal.

Next time you have leftover meat loaf, turn it into a Bolognese sauce.

It's simple, really. First, heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the leftover meat loaf and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break into it small pieces until golden brown. Add some chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent before adding two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes that have been crushed by hand.

Simmer the sauce over medium heat until thickened, about 30 minutes, then toss with cooked pasta. Top the dish with plenty of grated Parmesan and fresh basil, then serve. The meat loaf adds a rich meatiness to the sauce and makes a perfect bowl of pasta.

You should also feel free to add whichever spices or fresh herbs you love. You can even toss in any leftover roasted vegetables you have in the fridge. The point of this meal is to stretch one meat loaf into two completely different dinners, so get creative and have fun with it. Just be prepared: You may love your Bolognese more than the original meat loaf.