Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Follow me

If you’re a fan of classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and also crave the comfort of a hearty meatloaf, then this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf recipe is the perfect marriage of those two iconic dishes. This meatloaf takes everything you love about the famous sandwich—the tender beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and peppers—and transforms it into a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special family gatherings.

The savory meatloaf is packed with flavor and stuffed with gooey Provolone cheese for the ultimate cheesesteak experience. Each slice has layers of cheesy goodness and soft, sautéed vegetables, all wrapped up in a juicy, beefy loaf. It’s like biting into the sandwich, but with even more comfort-food appeal! Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a dinner that will leave everyone begging for seconds.

Let’s dive into how you can make this crowd-pleasing Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf at home. Trust me—you won’t look at meatloaf the same way again!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious Philly-inspired meatloaf to life:

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
  • 1 pound ground pork or ground Italian sausage (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Philly Cheesesteak Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 slices Provolone cheese (or more, depending on preference)

For the Topping:

  • 4 slices Provolone cheese (or enough to cover the top of the loaf)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step directions to make your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf come out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare the Filling:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions, green and red bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Mix the meat mixture gently until well combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

3. Assemble the Meatloaf:

  1. Divide the meat mixture into two equal parts. Take one half of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the loaf pan.
  2. Layer half of the Provolone slices on top of the meat mixture, followed by the cooled pepper and onion filling.
  3. Add another layer of the remaining Provolone slices over the filling.
  4. Take the second half of the meat mixture and carefully spread it over the filling, sealing the edges to encase the cheese and vegetables fully. Smooth the top with your hands or a spatula.

4. Bake the Meatloaf:

  1. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  2. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and lay the final slices of Provolone cheese over the top. Place it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

5. Rest and Serve:

  1. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the loaf hold its shape.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, then slice and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips

  • Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the meatloaf mixture to prevent a tough, dense loaf. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
  • Resting is Key: Always let your meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent the juices from running out and drying out the meat.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F.
  • Customize the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Provolone, swap it out for mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar cheese.
  • Add Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, include them in the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezer:

  • To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatloaf will keep well for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Variations

  1. Cheesesteak-Stuffed Mini Meatloaves: Instead of making one large loaf, divide the mixture into smaller portions to create individual meatloaves for a fun twist. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
  2. Keto-Friendly Version: Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly.
  3. Spicy Cheesesteak Meatloaf: Add a kick of heat by mixing chopped jalapeños into the filling or topping the meatloaf with pepper jack cheese.
  4. Chicken Philly Meatloaf: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of traditional breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Details

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg

Note: Nutrition information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Q: Can I substitute the Provolone cheese?
A: Absolutely. Mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese work well in this recipe if you prefer a different flavor.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this meatloaf, though it may require less baking time since they cook faster.

Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
A: Be sure to mix the meat mixture evenly, use the correct amount of binder (breadcrumbs and egg), and allow the meatloaf to rest after baking.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meatloaf?
A: Reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a little extra cheese on top during reheating can make it even more delicious!

Enjoy this incredible twist on traditional meatloaf, where Philly cheesesteak flavors shine in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is sure to be a hit!