I’ve got to say, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe has become a star in my household. The first time I made it, I could hardly wait to see how the provolone melted over savory beef, combined with perfectly sautéed veggies.
The result? Absolute perfection. Not only does it mirror the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, but it takes that magic and wraps it into a moist, hearty meatloaf. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this recipe delivers every single time.
Ingredients That Deliver Bold Taste
Gather these simple, impactful ingredients to make your meatloaf unforgettable.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds savoriness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 1 green pepper, diced: Brings a touch of freshness, balancing the richness.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, finely chopped: Adds umami and keeps the loaf moist.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the overall flavor.
- 2 lbs ground beef: The perfect base for a hearty, flavorful meatloaf.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens flavor with a savory punch.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder for the meatloaf.
- 2 tsp kosher salt: Seasons the meat evenly.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick.
- 1 ⅓ cups plain panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the loaf tender by locking in moisture.
- 6-8 oz provolone cheese, sliced: A creamy, melty topping that ties it all together.
Note: Makes approximately 6 servings.
Tasty Variations to Try
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are some ideas to make it fit your preferences.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For a bold, spicy flair, mix diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the beef.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef alternatives and skip the cheese to make it vegan.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here’s how much time you’ll need to pull together this epic meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
What You’ll Need to Get Started?
Equip yourself with these tools to make the process a breeze.
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the meatloaf ingredients together seamlessly.
- Baking sheet or loaf pan: Use for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for dicing the vegetables.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf?
This recipe comes together in a few straightforward steps. Here’s how I do it!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and minced garlic, then cook for another minute. This step releases the natural sweetness and aromas of the veggies, making your meatloaf irresistibly flavorful. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
Combine the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and the cooled veggie mix in a large bowl. To get the best texture, mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overworking the mixture can make the meatloaf dense, so handle it with care.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Line a baking sheet with foil or grease your loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture, shaping it into a neat loaf. You can make two smaller loaves if you prefer quicker cooking or want to save one for later. A freeform loaf allows for browning on all sides, creating extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake and Broil
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, depending on its size. Check to ensure it’s cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). For an extra touch of magic, broil the meatloaf for 3-5 minutes, which gives the edges a crave-worthy caramelized finish.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Top the hot meatloaf with slices of provolone cheese. Pop it back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey, golden perfection. This final step nails that Philly cheesesteak essence, making every bite irresistible.
Tips for Getting It Just Right
From my experience, a few small tweaks can make a big difference when making this dish!
- Fine Vegetable Dice: Keep your veggie pieces small so they blend well into the meat mixture. Large chunks may cause the loaf to crumble.
- Don’t Compress the Loaf: Gently shape the meatloaf to avoid compacting it, which keeps the texture tender and juicy.
- Broil for a Crust: Don’t skip the broil step, as it brings out that golden, caramelized exterior that makes this meatloaf shine.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of sides.
Serve thick slices with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty, balanced meal. For a Philly cheesesteak-inspired twist, place slices in toasted hoagie rolls with extra provolone, sautéed onions, and green peppers. Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives adds the perfect pop of freshness and color to complement this comforting dish.
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per hearty serving (~6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make this dish work for your schedule with these storage tips.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture.
- Freeze: To freeze, allow the meatloaf to fully cool before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen or after thawing for a comforting ready-made meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This meatloaf is packed with all the right elements. Here’s why I think you’ll fall for it!
- Unique Twist on a Classic: Combines the flavors of Philly cheesesteak into an easy, comforting loaf.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, flavorful combination.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Versatile: Customize it with spices, cheeses, or add-ins to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, dinners, or even slicing into sandwiches!
Dive into this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, and you might just discover your new favorite comfort food recipe. Enjoy!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- 6 –8 oz provolone cheese sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and minced garlic, then cook for another minute. This step releases the natural sweetness and aromas of the veggies, making your meatloaf irresistibly flavorful. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and the cooled veggie mix in a large bowl. To get the best texture, mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overworking the mixture can make the meatloaf dense, so handle it with care.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or grease your loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture, shaping it into a neat loaf. You can make two smaller loaves if you prefer quicker cooking or want to save one for later. A freeform loaf allows for browning on all sides, creating extra flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, depending on its size. Check to ensure it’s cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). For an extra touch of magic, broil the meatloaf for 3-5 minutes, which gives the edges a crave-worthy caramelized finish.
- Top the hot meatloaf with slices of provolone cheese. Pop it back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey, golden perfection. This final step nails that Philly cheesesteak essence, making every bite irresistible.
Notes
- Fine Dice Matters: Small veggie pieces help the loaf hold together.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Freeform Loaf Tip: Allows better browning and more surface flavor.
- Broil for Flavor: Adds that irresistible crust on top!
- Philly-Style Twist: Try serving slices in hoagie rolls with extra sautéed veggies for a sandwich version.
