Introduction & Prepping the Ingredients
If you love the bold, cheesy flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but also crave the hearty satisfaction of a classic meatloaf, then this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the perfect recipe for you!
This dish brings together juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melted provolone cheese, and a rich, savory blend of seasonings—all baked into a tender, cheesy, and flavorful meatloaf. It’s like having your favorite cheesesteak in meatloaf form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Philly Cheesesteak Meets Meatloaf – Two comfort food favorites in one!
✔️ Super Juicy & Flavorful – The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce keep it extra moist.
✔️ Cheesy Goodness – Melted provolone (or mozzarella) in every bite!
✔️ Easy to Make – Just mix, shape, and bake!
✔️ Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will love.
If you’ve ever wished your meatloaf was just a little cheesier, more flavorful, and packed with extra goodness, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the answer to your dinner prayers!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
This meatloaf uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a rich, cheesy, and beefy masterpiece.
Main Ingredients:
🥩 1 ½ lbs ground beef – The base of the meatloaf, rich and flavorful.
🧅 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
🌶️ 1 small green & red bell pepper, finely diced – A signature Philly cheesesteak ingredient!
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory flavor.
🧀 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the meatloaf.
🥖 ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style) – Helps bind everything together.
🥩 ½ cup beef broth – Adds extra moisture and richness.
🥫 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Boosts the umami flavor.
🧂 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder – Essential seasonings!
🥚 1 egg, beaten – Helps keep the meatloaf tender and firm.
🍅 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional for topping) – Adds a classic sweet-savory glaze.
🧈 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for extra juiciness!)
💡 Flavor Boost: Want a true Philly cheesesteak experience? Serve this meatloaf on toasted hoagie rolls and top it with extra melted provolone!
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers & Onions
To bring out the sweetness and depth of the veggies, we start by sautéing them.
1️⃣ Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
3️⃣ Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before mixing into the meat.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Cooking the peppers and onions beforehand helps enhance their natural sweetness and prevents them from releasing too much moisture while baking.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine everything to create the ultimate cheesesteak-inspired meatloaf!
5️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef.
6️⃣ Add the sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic.
7️⃣ Stir in the shredded cheese, beef broth, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
8️⃣ Crack in the beaten egg and gently mix everything until just combined.
💡 Mixing Tip: Don’t overwork the meat! Overmixing will make your meatloaf dense and tough instead of juicy and tender. Mix just until combined!
Step 4: Shape & Prep for Baking
Now that our meat mixture is ready, let’s get it into the perfect meatloaf shape!
9️⃣ Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment paper).
🔟 Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, pressing it down evenly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Smooth out the top and shape it into a firm loaf.
1️⃣2️⃣ Optional: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top for a slight tangy sweetness.
💡 Pan-Free Option: If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the meatloaf by hand and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper!
At this stage, your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is prepped and ready to bake!
Part 2: Baking & Achieving the Perfect Cheesesteak-Inspired Flavor
Now that we’ve sautéed the peppers and onions, mixed the juicy ground beef with seasonings, and shaped the meatloaf, it’s time to bake this masterpiece to perfection.
This is where the cheesy, meaty magic happens—the flavors blend, the cheese melts, and the top crisps up just enough to create that perfect bite.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf to Juicy Perfection
Now that your meatloaf is shaped and prepped in the pan, let’s get it into the oven!
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already.
2️⃣ Place the loaf pan (or baking sheet) in the center rack of the oven.
3️⃣ Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
💡 Meatloaf Tip: Every oven is different, so check for doneness at 45 minutes with a meat thermometer.
Step 6: Add a Buttery Finish for Extra Juiciness
If you want an extra juicy and flavorful finish, try this simple trick:
4️⃣ Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5️⃣ This adds richness and moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender without drying out.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love a crispy top, broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes at the very end to give it a slightly golden, caramelized crust.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Slicing
Once your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is done baking, don’t cut into it right away!
6️⃣ Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
7️⃣ This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making every slice extra tender and flavorful.
💡 Skipping this step might make your meatloaf dry, so be patient—it’s worth it!
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is now golden, juicy, and packed with cheesy goodness!
8️⃣ Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
9️⃣ For the ultimate cheesesteak experience, serve on toasted hoagie rolls with extra melted provolone.
🔟 Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
💡 Pair it with: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal!
FAQs, Storage Tips & Final Thoughts
Your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is fresh out of the oven, juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! 🧀🔥 Before you dig in, let’s go over some commonly asked questions, storage tips, and fun ways to customize this recipe.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal that can be prepared and stored for later.
✔️ Refrigerator: Prepare and store the uncooked meatloaf in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔️ Freezer: Wrap the unbaked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Baking Tip: If baking from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and add 5-10 extra minutes of baking time.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
✔️ Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
💡 Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain juiciness.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals (but note that the cheese may become extra gooey!).
- Skillet: Reheat slices in a pan over medium heat for a crispy exterior.
3. What Can I Serve with This Meatloaf?
Since this dish is rich and cheesy, pairing it with a lighter side makes a perfect meal!
✔️ Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food pairing!
✔️ Roasted Vegetables – Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans.
✔️ Simple Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
✔️ Hoagie Rolls – For a true Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich!
💡 Make It a Sandwich: Slice the meatloaf thick, place it on a toasted hoagie roll, and melt extra provolone cheese on top!
4. Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella are classic for Philly cheesesteaks, here are some fun swaps:
✔️ Cheddar Cheese – For a sharper, bolder flavor.
✔️ Swiss Cheese – Adds a mild, nutty taste.
✔️ Pepper Jack – For a spicy kick!
💡 Extra Cheesy Tip: Melt extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking!
5. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! While ground beef is traditional, this recipe works well with other proteins:
✔️ Ground Turkey or Chicken – A leaner option.
✔️ Ground Pork – Adds extra juiciness.
✔️ Ground Venison – If you enjoy a gamey twist!
💡 Customization Tip: If using leaner meats (like turkey or chicken), add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a splash of olive oil to keep it moist!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the perfect mashup of two comfort food classics! It has:
✔️ Juicy, flavorful ground beef packed with savory seasonings.
✔️ Cheesy goodness in every bite from provolone or mozzarella.
✔️ Sautéed peppers and onions for that authentic Philly taste.
✔️ A crispy, golden top with an optional butter finish!
✔️ A perfect balance of hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
If you love Philly cheesesteaks AND meatloaf, this is a must-try dish!
Now It’s Your Turn!
Have you tried this recipe? Did you make any customizations? Add a different cheese or meat? Serve it as a sandwich?
Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!
Happy Cooking! 🎉🍽🔥
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The Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious twist on classic meatloaf, packed with savory ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese—bringing all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a hearty, comforting dish!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for topping, optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for extra flavor, optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Sauté the veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed veggies, shredded cheese, beef broth, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined—do not overmix to keep it tender.
4️⃣ Shape and bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top if desired.
5️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6️⃣ Rest & serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with melted butter for extra juiciness, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make it extra cheesy! Top with extra shredded provolone or mozzarella in the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty topping.
- For a sandwich experience: Serve slices on toasted hoagie rolls with mayo or melted cheese for a Philly cheesesteak meatloaf sandwich!
- Want a smoky flavor? Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the mixture.
- Storage & leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
