Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

If you love a good Philly cheesesteak, with its tender beef, melty cheese, and savory vegetables all tucked into a sandwich roll, then get ready to fall in love with this recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. It takes all the flavors you crave in a cheesesteak and transforms them into a comforting, hearty meatloaf that’s perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion.

This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is loaded with seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and, of course, plenty of cheese. Each slice gives you the familiar flavors of a cheesesteak but with the juicy, tender texture of meatloaf. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

If you’ve ever felt like a classic meatloaf could use a little more excitement, this recipe is the perfect solution. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this cheesy, flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf.

Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish combines the familiar comfort of meatloaf with the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, making it the ultimate comfort food.
2. Cheesy and Satisfying: Loaded with melty cheese both inside and on top, every bite is packed with savory, gooey goodness.
3. Full of Flavor: Sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms add a delicious depth of flavor, making this meatloaf anything but ordinary.
4. Perfect for Family Dinners: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even gatherings.
5. Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, this meatloaf is simple to prepare with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8
• Serving Size: 1 slice of meatloaf

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional, but recommended)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that classic cheesesteak flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Sautéing Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Optional Sauces for Serving:

• Ketchup
• Steak sauce
• Garlic aioli

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables:

Start by finely chopping your onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. The goal is to get them into small, even pieces so they blend well with the meatloaf mixture and distribute their flavor evenly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Soak the Breadcrumbs:

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk. This helps keep the meatloaf tender and moist.

2. Add the Ground Beef:

To the breadcrumb mixture, add the ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

3. Add the Sautéed Vegetables:

Once the sautéed vegetables have cooled slightly, add them to the meatloaf mixture. Fold them in gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 3: Add the Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Cheese:

Take 1 cup of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (you can use a mix of both for extra flavor) and set it aside. This cheese will be layered inside the meatloaf for that gooey, melty cheesesteak experience.

2. Form the Meatloaf:

Transfer half of the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan (about 9×5 inches). Use your hands or a spoon to press the meat into an even layer, creating a slight indentation in the middle for the cheese.

3. Add the Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the meat in the loaf pan, leaving a small border around the edges. This helps prevent the cheese from spilling out during baking.

4. Top with Remaining Meat:

Take the remaining meat mixture and carefully press it over the cheese layer, making sure to seal the edges so that the cheese stays inside as the meatloaf bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatloaf on the center rack.

2. Bake the Meatloaf:

Bake the meatloaf for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked but still juicy.

3. Add the Topping:

About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded provolone and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Continue baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 5: Let the Meatloaf Rest

1. Cool and Rest:

Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without falling apart.

2. Garnish:

Before serving, sprinkle the top of the meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the Meatloaf:

Using a sharp knife, slice the meatloaf into thick slices. You’ll be able to see the melty cheese center and the beautiful layers of meat, vegetables, and cheese.

2. Serve with Your Favorite Sides:

Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh Caesar salad. You can also add a drizzle of ketchup, steak sauce, or even a dollop of garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect side for this cheesy, savory meatloaf. They complement the rich flavors and provide a comforting, hearty element to the meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the meatloaf with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the meatloaf alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy, flavorful accompaniment.
• With Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the meatloaf with warm, buttery garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra melted cheese or meatloaf juices.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Ground Beef with a Higher Fat Content: Ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 is ideal for meatloaf because it keeps the meatloaf moist and juicy without being too greasy.
2. Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the meatloaf, mix gently and just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf.
3. Let the Meatloaf Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the juices settle, making for cleaner slices and preventing the meatloaf from falling apart.
4. Add Mushrooms for Extra Flavor: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, don’t skip them in this recipe! They add an earthy, umami flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
5. Customize Your Cheese: While provolone and cheddar are the classic cheeses used in Philly cheesesteak, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, American, or pepper jack for a little heat.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is that it’s easy to customize to your preferences. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

1. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the vegetable mixture and swap out the regular cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the meat mixture for extra heat.

2. Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, simply omit the breadcrumbs and use a binder like almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead. This will still give you a firm, delicious meatloaf without the extra carbs.

3. Philly Cheesesteak Turkey Meatloaf:

If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe, and you can follow all the same steps. Just be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

4. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders:

Transform this meatloaf into sliders by making mini meatloaf patties and baking them in a muffin tin. Serve each mini meatloaf on a slider bun with extra cheese and sautéed veggies for a fun, bite-sized version of the dish.

5. Veggie-Packed Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

For a more veggie-forward version, increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe. Add extra mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture. This adds extra nutrition and flavor without sacrificing the cheesy, meaty goodness.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftover meatloaf, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing:

You can also freeze Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf for later! Once the meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

To reheat from frozen, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. Then, place the meatloaf in a 350°F oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Loaf Pan (9×5 inches): A standard loaf pan is perfect for shaping the meatloaf and ensuring even cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking, a meat thermometer is helpful.
• Skillet: For sautéing the vegetables to bring out their flavor before mixing them into the meatloaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

2. What other cheeses can I use?

You can use any melting cheese you like! Swiss, American, cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack will work well in this recipe.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the meatloaf?

Absolutely. Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or even shredded carrots to the meatloaf mixture. Just make sure the vegetables are finely chopped so they mix evenly with the meat.

4. How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

To help the meatloaf hold together, make sure to include a binder like breadcrumbs or eggs in the mixture. Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking also helps it stay intact when sliced.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substituting with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods: the cheesesteak sandwich and traditional meatloaf. By combining the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the hearty, satisfying nature of meatloaf, you get the best of both worlds in one dish. The gooey cheese, sautéed vegetables, and juicy beef make for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to please a crowd.

Whether you’re serving this meatloaf for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a unique dish for your next gathering, this recipe is a winner. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into a Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf that’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor!

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