If you love the rich, hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want a comforting twist, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. It takes the beloved elements of juicy ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melty provolone cheese, then combines them into a moist, delicious meatloaf that feels just like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe captures the iconic Philly cheesesteak experience in an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe simple and fresh is key to delivering those classic bold flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, depth, or that irresistible gooey cheese layer on top.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness): The perfect balance of lean and fat keeps the meatloaf tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup sautéed onions (chopped): Sweet and caramelized onions provide a rich, savory base.
- 1 cup sautéed bell peppers (chopped): Adds a pleasant crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps hold the loaf together without drying it out; opt for gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 large egg: Natural binder that keeps everything nicely packed but still tender.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and enhances the beefy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle punch of aromatic garlic without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors alive.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough kick to keep it interesting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing): Helps soften and caramelize the veggies perfectly.
- 1 medium onion (chopped for sautéing): Fresh onions ensure the sautéed veggies are flavorful and tender.
- 1 medium bell pepper (chopped for sautéing): Bright and sweet, balancing the savory notes beautifully.
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice): For that signature melty Philly cheesesteak topping.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking them until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where your kitchen will start to smell incredible, as the natural sugars in the veggies come alive. These sautéed peppers and onions bring a juicy sweetness and texture to your meatloaf, making every bite vibrant and comforting.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the cooked onions and peppers, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently bring everything together, being careful not to overmix. This gentleness stops your meatloaf from becoming dense and tough, keeping it tender and juicy once baked.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Transfer your meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf right on a baking tray. Next, layer the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top—this luscious cheese melts into the meatloaf to create the ultimate gooey topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). This balance of time and temperature ensures your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe comes out perfectly cooked through yet juicy.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once your meatloaf is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice it immediately. Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the juices can redistribute throughout the loaf. This resting period means your slices will be wonderfully moist and hold together beautifully, making for a satisfying and neat eating experience.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra goes a long way. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and a mild fresh flavor that brightens this hearty dish. You can also drizzle a bit of ketchup or a bold Dijon mustard for an extra tangy kick if you like your meatloaf with some zing.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or a crisp garden salad complement the rich meatloaf perfectly. For a more indulgent look, baked mac and cheese or even crispy oven fries make fantastic, crowd-pleasing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or mix things up? Try slicing the meatloaf into thick portions and serving it on toasted sub rolls with extra cheese and sautéed peppers and onions, mimicking the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich in meatloaf form. Alternatively, layer slices with melted provolone and a drizzle of steak sauce for a more formal dinner presentation that feels special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe makes for terrific leftovers that stay delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store slices in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers long-term, this meatloaf freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place slices in a freezer-safe container. It stays fresh for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat when you have a craving.
Reheating
To bring back that delightful juicy texture, reheat your meatloaf slices gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts with a cover to keep the moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind these leaner meats may turn out drier. Adding a bit of grated cheese or a splash of olive oil can help keep the meatloaf moist.
Is it okay to skip the Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a nice umami boost, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with soy sauce or just a little extra salt. The meatloaf will still be tasty!
Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture remains wonderful and the flavors just as bold.
What cheese can I use if I don’t like provolone?
Feel free to get creative with your cheese choice. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combo works beautifully. Each cheese brings a unique flavor profile that jazzes up the classic Philly spirit.
Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Mushrooms would be a delicious addition! Just sauté them with the onions and peppers to keep that tender, flavorful veggie mix that makes this meatloaf so special.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect way to enjoy all the comforting, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a fun, family-friendly dish. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and delivers melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction with every bite. I seriously encourage you to give it a try—you’re going to love how this twist on a classic hits all the right notes for an easy weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary!
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Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comfort of a traditional meatloaf. Ground beef is mixed with sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned, and baked with melted provolone cheese on top for a savory, juicy dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup sautéed onions (chopped)
- 1 cup sautéed bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
For Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meatloaf.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix by hand until just combined to avoid packing the meatloaf too tightly, which helps keep it tender.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking tray. Evenly layer provolone cheese slices on top of the shaped meatloaf. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, clean slices perfect for serving.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for best flavor and juiciness.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is crucial for slicing neatly.
- Provolone cheese can be swapped with mozzarella or American cheese depending on preference.
