Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Skillet Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, divided; 1.5 pounds ground beef; 0.5 cup dry bread crumbs; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 0.25 cup chopped onion; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 0.25 cup water; 0.5 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard; 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, divided
1 pounds ground beef
cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
cup water
teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cup of the tomato soup, ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands until well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the mixture firmly into two loaves and set aside.

Step 3: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the meatloaves on all sides. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Carefully spoon off any excess fat from the skillet. Add the remaining tomato soup, water, and mustard to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatloaves, then let the dish simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring the sauce occasionally to ensure it does not stick.

Step 6: Once the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 311
Fat: 17g (22% DV)
Saturated Fat: 7g (34% DV)
Cholesterol: 106mg (35% DV)
Sodium: 871mg (38% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 25g (49% DV)
Vitamin C: 28mg (31% DV)
Calcium: 113mg (9% DV)
Iron: 3mg (18% DV)
Potassium: 392mg (8% DV)

Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is one of those quintessential comfort foods that have become a staple in American households. Among the many variations of this beloved dish, the Skillet Meatloaf stands out for its quick preparation and savory flavor, all cooked in a single skillet.

History and Origins of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has roots in the early European culinary traditions, particularly from the German and Scandinavian cuisines, where meat was ground and mixed with fillers to stretch limited resources. It was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries as an affordable way to prepare meat for families. By the early 20th century, the dish became common in the United States, where it evolved into a comfort food dish, often made with beef or a mixture of beef and pork, and served with a variety of seasonings and toppings. The skillet version, which is a modern take, reflects a desire for convenience and simplicity without sacrificing taste.

Regional Variations and Unique Features

While traditional meatloaf is often baked in the oven, the skillet version of meatloaf has a few regional characteristics that make it unique. One key difference is the cooking method: instead of baking, the meatloaf is browned in a skillet and simmered on the stove, which allows for a faster preparation time. The sauce, typically made from tomato soup or marinara, adds an extra layer of richness and moisture to the dish. This style of meatloaf is popular in Southern and Midwestern American homes, where skillet cooking is a long-standing tradition due to its efficiency and ability to develop deep flavors in one pan.

How Skillet Meatloaf Differs from Other Meatloaf Recipes

Unlike traditional meatloaf recipes that are baked in the oven, Skillet Meatloaf is prepared in a skillet, which helps to lock in flavors and moisture. The skillet method is not only quicker but also produces a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Additionally, many meatloaf recipes use ketchup or brown gravy as a topping, whereas Skillet Meatloaf is typically finished with melted mozzarella cheese for a delightful creamy texture. The use of tomato soup in the sauce also imparts a slightly tangy sweetness, setting it apart from other versions.

Where is Skillet Meatloaf Typically Served?

Skillet Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings, but it is most often enjoyed in family meals or casual dinner gatherings. Its ease of preparation makes it a popular choice for busy weeknights. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. In many American homes, its also a go-to dish for comfort food during colder months, offering a warm, hearty meal to enjoy with loved ones.

Fun Facts About Meatloaf

The term "meatloaf" was first recorded in the U.S. in the 18th century, although similar dishes had been made for centuries in Europe.
Meatloaf is often considered a "budget-friendly" dish because it uses ground meat (usually beef or pork) mixed with bread crumbs, eggs, and vegetables to stretch the meat and feed more people.
In 2017, a meatloaf restaurant opened in New York City, called The Meatball Shop, which serves different variations of meatloaf alongside other meatball-based dishes.
The famous American chef and TV personality, Julia Child, once made a meatloaf that she called "a good old standby" in her cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," though her version is a bit fancier than the average home-cooked meatloaf.
In addition to tomato-based sauces, some creative meatloaf recipes use chili, mustard, or even barbecue sauce as a topping.

FAQ about Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Yes, you can freeze the shaped meatloaves before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, allow the meatloaf to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook according to the recipe instructions.

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef. Keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey or chicken might make the meatloaf a bit drier, so adding a little extra moisture (like an additional egg or a bit more soup) can help.

Yes, you can use a large oven-safe baking dish or even a roasting pan. If using the oven, bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Definitely! You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cheese will affect the overall taste of the dish.

This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over rice or with a side of pasta if you're looking for a heartier meal.

Yes, you can use tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even cream of mushroom soup as an alternative. Each option will change the flavor slightly, but they all work well with meatloaf.

If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even stale bread that’s been processed into crumbs. Each will work similarly to bind the meatloaf and add texture.

If your meatloaf is falling apart, it's likely due to not enough binding ingredients or over-mixing the meat. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently and ensure there’s enough moisture from the soup or water to hold it together. Adding a bit more breadcrumbs can also help.

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly if you're making larger loaves. You can either cook them in batches or use a larger pan to accommodate the extra portions.

Comments

Jane Guzauskas Ruby

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I didn't change the ingredients, but after browning the loaves I put them in a crock pot, poured the soup mixture over everythnig and cooked on low for 3 hours. I served everything over cooked rice. This is a great comfort food dish even during the hot afternoons when you don't want to sweat over an oven or stove.

Bob Jones

05/25/2023 10:22:13 PM

We loved it. I was a bit skeptical, me being an old retired Army Mess Sgt. I added some hot sauce and the big W(can’t spell it) . It tasted great . All you have to do is “follow the recipe “

kikikim

09/24/2020 08:03:59 PM

To compensate time,and my family was craving meatloaf,I didn't foam the meat to loaves but opted to foam into oval shapes liken to Salisbury steak patties. I also used an organic cream of mushroom soup base because I didn't have tomato soup. I sauteed chopped button mushrooms in browned butter and 1/4 teaspoon of grated onion which I added to the meatloaf mixture,than used the rest of the soup as instructed. My family ate it all and was requesting it again for dinner next week.

LoftyJuice5544

05/18/2023 08:11:06 PM

Ez but I use brown gravy instead of tomato soup and add ketchup to the meatloaf when mixing. Also try adding some beef chorizo to the meatloaf and sauté into the gravy to add some zing. Melt some sharp cheddar on the meatloaf when almost finished cooking.

JovialWhisk6730

08/01/2022 06:01:29 PM

I used spagetti sauce instead of tomato soup, yum.

Celia P Schwarz

07/19/2022 12:30:10 AM

I'm not a meatloaf lover but I made it for the family. The recipe looked easy and we all love Tomato Soup. I read the reviews and decided to go with the Tomato Soup. I added to the remaining soup can Yellow Mustard, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder. Meatloaf and Tomato Soup is the way to go for my family. It's delicious!

MarkH

07/10/2021 02:43:53 PM

I did not use canned soup. used tomato puree. added 2 Tbs Worcester sauce and 1/2 cup of chopped kalamata olives. fantastic.

jsjgmcdaniel

10/14/2010 04:10:39 PM

I tried this tonight w/ a few alterations, and it was GREAT! I used spaghetti sauce instead of tomato soup and added 1 tsp. of Worcestershire. I shaped the meat mixture into patties, rather than loaves, and fried them for about 10 min. on each side. It was also quicker as I didn't have to wait for loaves to cook through. I served it with brown gravy rather than sauce and cheese. I'm not a big fan of meat in general, and my husband doesn't really like meat loaf, but we both liked this and had seconds!

Nova Fleming

05/05/2011 04:22:52 PM

This was absolutely delicious!! Alterations: I used 2lbs ground beef and made 4 'loaves'. Therefore I increased the amount of bread crumbs to taste/texture. Also, after reading many reviews I was really apprehensive about using the tomato soup seeing as I HATE tomato soup. BINGO - it was delicious! I added some Worcestershire sauce to kick up the flavor a bit, and a little bit of Italian seasoning just in case I regretted not using Marinara sauce. Also, I used milk instead of water and that seemed to be an EXCELLENT call! Pair this with some mashed potatoes and yes...you will love it!!

Denise

08/28/2013 03:40:41 PM

Good base but can be tweaked for anybodies liking. I changed it a bit. I used ground turkey and added seasoned salt, garlic, worcestershire sauce and steak sauce to the meat mixture. Because it was ground turkey there was no fat so after the browning I put the remaining tomato soup, water and mustard in. It came out soft, juicy & delicious!!!!

Chef Bufo

06/18/2008 08:52:21 PM

I would have given it 5 stars, but I changed a couple things. I added a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce as suggested by others and used a small jar of Marinara Sauce instead of the Tomato Soup. It made the meatloaf richer and spicier. I also browned the meat on top of the stove, then put it in the oven for 45 minutes uncovered. It was delicious with mashed potatoes and green beans. Will make it again soon. Thanks for the recipe.

Andrew Garcia

04/25/2025 07:20:35 PM

I didn’t change a single thing and it came out perfect.

Anthony Smith

11/23/2024 09:58:13 PM

I genuinely didn’t think it could taste this good.

Patricia Taylor

09/06/2024 02:02:49 PM

So simple but tastes fancy.

Kelly White

08/13/2024 03:52:29 PM

Just perfect for any occasion.

Dunncook01

08/15/2022 01:16:39 AM

Was just ok. Good in a hurry. But not as tasty as other meatloaf recipes.

Melissa Wentz

07/28/2022 10:36:33 AM

This was so easy to make! My family and I just loved it! This will be one of my go to recipes for sure!

LoyalKale2859

07/16/2022 08:19:33 PM

Easy recipe and tasty. I used the tomato soup base and added a small can of peas and some left over breakfast cottage potatoes to the final sauce in the skillet. It made a complete delicious meal.

Angie

07/15/2022 03:28:44 AM

Very Good! I loved that it was stove top preparation. I used roasted red pepper and tomato soup from Campbells, only because it was what I had, and we found the sauce flavorful. The meat stayed together in the pan, just one flip to brown then lid on for the 25 minutes. I will definitely make again, thanks for the recipe

OldSage8331

07/12/2022 11:29:55 PM

Tender, tasty

audio version

Cook Time: 95 minutes

Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

History and Origins of Meatloaf

Regional Variations and Unique Features

How Skillet Meatloaf Differs from Other Meatloaf Recipes

Where is Skillet Meatloaf Typically Served?

Fun Facts About Meatloaf

FAQ about Skillet Meatloaf Recipe