Tomato Soup Meatloaf
If you’re looking to spice up your meatloaf, try this tomato soup meatloaf recipe with shredded cheddar cheese for a tasty twist.
This tomato soup meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and has just the right touch of cheesy goodness. The condensed soup keeps the texture soft and tender, while the addition of cheddar adds a satisfying richness that sets it apart from your standard meatloaf.
It’s an easy twist on a classic that feels both familiar and a little special. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad for a comforting meal that hits all the right notes.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Moist and tender. Tomato soup keeps the loaf juicy and full of flavor.
Cheddar twist. Shredded cheddar melts into the loaf for a rich, savory touch.
Easy pantry ingredients. No fancy sauces or special equipment needed—just mix, shape, and bake.
Leftover-friendly. Great for sandwiches or reheating the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- Tomato soup: Condensed soup adds moisture and classic flavor—half goes in the loaf, half becomes a quick sauce.
- Ground beef and pork: A mix of the two gives you flavor and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs: Fine dry breadcrumbs help bind the loaf—plain or seasoned.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and melty texture; use large shreds or small cubes.
- Onion: Finely chopped so it blends well into the meat mixture.
- Egg: Helps hold everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to round out the flavor.
- Water: Thins the tomato soup for serving sauce.
Steps to Make Tomato Soup Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine half of the tomato soup with all remaining ingredients.
- Mix until well combined, then shape into a loaf.
- Place in a shallow baking dish and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Near the end of baking, heat the remaining tomato soup in a saucepan with water and 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and spoon some sauce over the top or serve sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the meat—just until everything is combined to avoid a dense texture.
- For a finer texture, shred the cheddar or dice it very small.
- Let the loaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese swap. Use pepper jack for spice or Monterey Jack for mild creaminess.
- All beef. Make it with all ground beef or try lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumb boost. Use garlic or Parmesan-seasoned crumbs or panko for texture.
- Spice it up. Add chili powder, cayenne, or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner.
- Add a side of mac and cheese or roasted carrots for kid-friendly comfort.
- Pair with buttered noodles or rice and steamed broccoli.
- Slice leftovers and make sandwiches on toasted bread or rolls.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat slices in the microwave or warm in a covered dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Tomato Soup Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 10.75-ounce can tomato soup
- 1 pound ground beef, 80% to 85% lean
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs, fine dry , or panko unseasoned
- 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, large shreds or diced into small cubes
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix 1/2 cup of the tomato soup with ground beef, pork, bread crumbs, onion, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place in a shallow baking pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Put the remaining tomato soup in a saucepan; add the water and two tablespoons of the meatloaf’s drippings. Bring the soup mixture to a simmer.
- Transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter. Pour some of the tomato soup sauce over the meatloaf, or serve all of the sauce in a separate dish.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
