There's nothing like the savory aroma of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf baking in the oven to make your kitchen feel like the coziest spot in town. This recipe combines the hearty comfort of classic meatloaf with the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese.
The first time I made this, I was looking for a way to turn a traditional meatloaf into something extra special for a family dinner. One bite, and we were hooked. It’s now a frequent request, perfect for weeknights or a casual weekend treat. Let’s dive into the details and make this your new favorite recipe!
Why You'll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Get ready to discover your new go-to dinner. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is everything you love about comfort food—rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
First, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The melty cheese and savory vegetables tucked into the juicy meatloaf make every bite irresistible, even for picky eaters.
You’ll also love how simple it is to put together. While it tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it, the recipe is easy enough to whip up on a busy evening.
Another great thing? This recipe is surprisingly versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to use pantry staples.
Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. The leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy this indulgent dish all week long.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf lies in its combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating a moist, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned dish.
Let’s start with the ground beef. Choose an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but the texture and taste will differ slightly.
Next are the onions and bell peppers, which bring in the signature Philly cheesesteak vibe. Dice them finely so they blend seamlessly into the meatloaf and soften beautifully during baking.
For the cheese, provolone is the classic choice, delivering that creamy, melty goodness we love. If you prefer, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combination for a unique twist.
A mix of breadcrumbs and eggs acts as the binding agent, ensuring the meatloaf holds together while staying moist. I recommend using plain breadcrumbs to let the other flavors shine, but seasoned breadcrumbs work too.
Finally, you’ll need some Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder for depth of flavor, along with a touch of salt and pepper. These simple seasonings elevate the meatloaf without overpowering it.
How To Make This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Creating this mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to bring it all together.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, sauté your diced onions and bell peppers in a skillet with a little olive oil. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, then set them aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Next, line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the pan, creating a slight well in the center. Layer the sautéed veggies and provolone slices over this base, then top with the remaining meat mixture. Press the edges to seal in the filling.
Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last 10 minutes, add a few more slices of provolone on top and let them melt to golden perfection.
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and ensures the juices redistribute evenly.
Storage Options
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead meal, and it stores beautifully for leftovers.
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover the slices with foil in the oven to keep them moist.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make it your own with these variations.
For a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You might need to add a touch more breadcrumbs to help with binding since these proteins are less fatty.
Experiment with the cheese! While provolone is traditional, cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda would add exciting new flavors to the mix.
Want a spicier twist? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. It’s a fun way to kick up the heat.
For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Double-check all your ingredients to ensure they’re safe for your dietary needs.
Finally, consider adding mushrooms or spinach to the sautéed vegetables for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
No matter how you make it, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your own creative variations!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf recipe combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the hearty comfort of meatloaf. With tender beef, melty cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers, this dish is a flavorful twist on a traditional favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this cheesesteak-inspired meatloaf is a hit for the whole family!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and green bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled sautéed onions and peppers to the mixture, then gently fold in the shredded cheese.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the loaf for extra flavor.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese of your choice.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor or swap green bell peppers with red or yellow for a sweeter taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅙ of loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
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