Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe

If you love the hearty goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want to enjoy it in a cozy, comforting new form, then you’re in for a treat with this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. It perfectly captures that iconic blend of juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey provolone cheese, baked all together into one irresistible loaf. Trust me, every bite bursts with those familiar flavors while bringing a warm, homey twist that makes it perfect for family dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or that classic cheesesteak flavor combination. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 2 pounds ground beef: The rich and juicy base that gives the meatloaf its hearty texture.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and keeps the meatloaf tender.
• 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold all the ingredients in place.
• ½ cup milk: Adds moisture to ensure the meatloaf stays soft and succulent.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a subtle tangy umami punch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory flavor throughout the loaf.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the meat and veggies.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth without overpowering.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 small onion, diced: Delivers sweet, caramelized notes when sautéed.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to soften the veggies and bring out their sweetness.
• 8 slices provolone cheese: Divided as 4 slices for filling and 4 slices on top for melty, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced green bell pepper and onion for about 5 minutes until they soften and develop a lovely sweetness. This step is key because these sautéed vegetables will bring that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor straight into your meatloaf.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, but don’t overmix — you want the meat to stay tender after baking.

Step 3: Build the Meatloaf

Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a loaf pan. Layer 4 slices of provolone cheese on top of this base layer, then spread the sautéed peppers and onions over the cheese. Finally, cover everything with the remaining half of the meat mixture, pressing to seal the edges neatly.

Step 4: Bake and Add Final Cheese Layer

Bake your meatloaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, arrange the remaining 4 slices of provolone cheese over the top and return to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt perfectly and form a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every slice moist and flavorful. Sprinkle some fresh, chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a touch of fresh herbaceous brightness.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple yet wonderful way to garnish this meatloaf, adding a splash of vibrant green and a mild herbal note. If you want to kick it up, a drizzle of tangy ketchup or even a dollop of horseradish sauce can complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or even a crisp garden salad to lighten things up. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the meatloaf and serving it open-faced on toasted sandwich buns, channeling the spirit of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Another great idea is to serve smaller meatloaf “sliders” for parties, topped with extra melted cheese and a peppery arugula salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just slice and cover tightly to maintain moisture and flavor so it tastes nearly as good the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well, though it may be slightly drier. Adding an extra splash of milk or a bit of olive oil can help keep the meatloaf moist.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the meatloaf the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake fresh the next day for excellent flavor and texture.

What cheese works best if I can’t find provolone?

Swiss or mozzarella are great substitutes. They melt nicely and complement the other flavors without overpowering the dish.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and include the milk as directed. Also, resting the meatloaf after baking helps retain moisture before slicing.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is such a fantastic way to reinvent a beloved classic, taking all those familiar flavors and textures and wrapping them into a cozy meal everyone will love. It’s straightforward to make, utterly delicious, and sure to become a go-to weeknight favorite. I hope you get a chance to try it soon and experience just how wonderful this dish can be!

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