There’s something magical about the combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions that defines a classic Philly cheesesteak. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes those iconic flavors and transforms them into a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this meatloaf delivers bold, savory flavors in every bite. Trust me, one slice won’t be enough
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, green peppers, and gooey melted cheese captures the essence of a Philly cheesesteak in loaf form
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out cheeses, or add toppings like mushrooms or jalapeños to make it your own. It’s endlessly adaptable to suit your taste buds
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this meatloaf comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like ground beef, bread crumbs, and shredded cheese. No need for expensive ingredients to create an impressive meal
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist the irresistible combo of juicy beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese
Ingredients
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a rich, flavorful base. Overloading on fat will make the meatloaf greasy, so opt for 80/20 or similar
Onions: Sautéed yellow onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish. Finely chop them for even distribution throughout the loaf
Green Peppers: Diced green peppers add color, crunch, and a hint of bitterness to balance out the richness of the beef
Cheese: Shredded provolone or mozzarella works perfectly for melting into gooey perfection. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss
Breadcrumbs: Used as a binding agent, breadcrumbs help keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Panko breadcrumbs work especially well for added texture
Garlic and Spices: Minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the star ingredients
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking spray
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and green peppers until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly
Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough
Add the Cheese and Veggies: Fold in the cooled sautéed onions and green peppers, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping later
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a rectangular loaf. Press the reserved cheese onto the top of the loaf for extra gooey goodness
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese if desired
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
This dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, classic pairing
Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrients and color
Gravy: Drizzle homemade gravy over the sliced meatloaf for extra moisture and flavor
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this meatloaf is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply slice and savor every bite
FAQ Section
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind that turkey may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding extra moisture with grated zucchini or an egg
2. What type of cheese should I use? Provolone or mozzarella are traditional choices, but cheddar, Swiss, or a Mexican blend also work well depending on your preference
3. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaf up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake when ready for optimal freshness
4. How do I store leftover meatloaf? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving
5. Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Not as written, but you can omit breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb substitute
8. Can I skip the green peppers? You can, though green peppers add color and crunch. For a milder version, omit them or substitute with red bell peppers
9. Do I need to use Worcestershire sauce? Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with soy sauce if needed
10. Can I add other vegetables to the meatloaf? Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes would all pair beautifully with the Philly-inspired flavors. Feel free to experiment
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and comforting Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of juicy beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s create something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: For extra flavor, use a mix of provolone and mozzarella cheeses. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the veggie mix. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers can be a good substitute.
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf brings together all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a comforting, hearty meatloaf. With a blend of ground beef, sautéed veggies, and melty provolone cheese, it’s a delicious twist on a traditional favorite. Serve it for dinner and enjoy the best of both worlds!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sauté the diced bell pepper and onion in a skillet over medium heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (do not overwork the meat).
- Add half of the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down evenly. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese and the sautéed vegetables. Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing to seal the edges.
- (Optional) Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top and return the meatloaf to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the veggie mix.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers can be a good substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg