This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a fun twist on classic meatloaf. With flavorful ground beef, chopped peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, it’s like a cheesesteak in every slice!
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy dinner. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes for extra comfort—and maybe a few bites straight from the pan! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This keeps the meat moist yet not too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind it may cook a little faster.
Onions & Peppers: Finely chopped onions and green bell peppers add great flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using red or yellow bell peppers instead. If you’re not a fan of peppers at all, just stick to onions!
Mushrooms: These are optional, but they add a nice texture. If you’re not a mushroom lover, feel free to leave them out or even replace them with diced zucchini for a veggie kick.
Cheeses: Provolone is traditional for cheesesteaks, but mozzarella melts beautifully. If you want to try something different, pepper jack adds a nice spicy twist. Vegan cheese is a great substitute, too!
How Do You Make Sure Your Meatloaf is Moist and Flavorful?
To ensure a delicious, moist meatloaf, don’t overmix your meat mixture. Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender.
- Cook your veggies until softened but not mushy. This step enhances their flavors.
- Adding milk and eggs to the meat mixture helps bind everything together while keeping it moist.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for a tastier slice!
These steps will result in a meatloaf that is not only flavorful but also full of that cheesy, comforting goodness you’re after. Enjoy making your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 cup finely chopped green bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, classic cheesesteak addition)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (optional glaze)
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 60 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy every cheesy slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready for baking when you’re finished preparing the meatloaf. Also, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Sauté these until they’re softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Take the pan off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’ll keep your meatloaf tender!
4. Combine with Vegetables and Cheese:
Next, stir in half of the sautéed vegetable mixture along with half of the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses. This layering adds incredible flavor throughout the meatloaf.
5. Layer in the Loaf Pan:
Spread half of your meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Then, layer the remaining sautéed vegetables and the rest of the cheeses on top. Finally, carefully spread the remaining meat mixture over the top, smoothing it out nicely.
6. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like a delicious glaze, spread ketchup or tomato sauce over the top of your meatloaf now!
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You want it to be cooked through, so keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to check—the inside should read 160°F (71°C).
8. Broil for a Cheesy Finish:
For an extra melty and golden cheese topping, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will make the cheese bubbly and slightly browned. Just keep a close watch to prevent burning!
9. Let It Rest:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions. Now it’s time to slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf! It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a refreshing green salad.
This hearty meatloaf not only captures the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor but also brings a delightful twist to your dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of olive oil or more milk, to keep the meatloaf moist.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble everything in the loaf pan when you’re ready to bake, and it should still turn out great!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave. You can add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after cooking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-20 minutes to the cooking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze!
