Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf filling your kitchen. This creative twist on two beloved classics combines the hearty flavors of a traditional meatloaf with the irresistible essence of a Philly cheesesteak.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to blend my love of sandwiches with a family-style dinner option. What started as a fun experiment has turned into one of our most requested meals! Ready to learn how to make this game-changing dish? Let’s dive in.

Why You'll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf delivers on every front – flavor, ease, and versatility.

First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder that saves you from spending hours cleaning up. All the components come together in a single loaf, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The flavor profile is out of this world. Imagine savory, juicy meatloaf infused with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy yet tender crust. It’s a comfort food classic with a Philly cheesesteak twist that’ll have your taste buds singing.

Another reason to love this dish is its crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for a group, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even on sandwich rolls for an easy dinner everyone will adore.

Lastly, this meatloaf is surprisingly adaptable. Want to add mushrooms or switch up the type of cheese? Go for it! The recipe lends itself to customization, so you can tailor it to your liking. Ready to see what makes this dish so special? Keep reading!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its rich, satisfying flavor.

The ground beef forms the hearty base of the dish. Opt for an 80/20 blend to ensure a moist and juicy meatloaf. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work, but the texture may vary slightly.

Next up, the onions and bell peppers. These veggies are the hallmark of a Philly cheesesteak and lend their sweetness and a hint of crunch to the meatloaf. Sautéing them beforehand enhances their flavor and ensures they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

No Philly-inspired dish would be complete without cheese! I recommend using provolone for its creamy, melty texture, but mozzarella or a sharp cheddar can work just as well. Mixing shredded cheese into the meatloaf itself and layering slices on top guarantees gooey deliciousness in every bite.

The breadcrumbs and eggs act as the binding agents, holding everything together. Use seasoned breadcrumbs to add an extra layer of flavor without any extra effort.

If you have a cast-iron skillet or a loaf pan, these work perfectly for shaping and baking your meatloaf. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper also does the job if you prefer a free-form loaf.

How To Make This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Crafting this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through the steps for perfect results every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, sauté your diced onions and bell peppers in a bit of olive oil until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. This step enhances their flavor and ensures they cook through in the meatloaf.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

Transfer the mixture to your chosen baking dish or pan and shape it into a loaf. To mimic the cheesesteak experience, create a shallow trench down the middle of the loaf and fill it with shredded cheese before sealing it up. This step creates a cheesy surprise in every slice!

Bake the meatloaf for about 45 minutes, then remove it from the oven. Top with additional slices of provolone and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for cleaner slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storage Options

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.

To refrigerate, place the cooled meatloaf in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Slice it beforehand for quick and easy reheating.

If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place individual slices in freezer-safe bags. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw the meatloaf in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake them in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a fresh slice of cheese on top for that just-baked feel!

Variations and Substitutions

This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with it.

If you’re a fan of mushrooms, dice and sauté them alongside the onions and peppers. They’ll add a savory depth of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Prefer a leaner option? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as leaner meats can dry out faster.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Experiment with different varieties of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Finally, why not try a “stuffed” version? Layer thinly sliced steak and cheese in the center of the meatloaf for an extra indulgent surprise.

No matter how you make it, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and make it your own!

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