Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines the best of classic Philly cheesesteak and old-school meatloaf? This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned and studded with sweet sautéed onions and peppers, all smothered in gooey, melty provolone cheese. It’s savory, satisfying, and comes together with minimal effort—an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless, Yet Impressive: This recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, most of which is hands-off time in the oven. It’s dinner with a “wow” factor, without the hassle.
- Classic Flavors, Reinvented: The taste of a Philly cheesesteak in meatloaf form? Yes, please! It’s juicy, cheesy, and loaded with all the familiar, crave-worthy notes you love.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: No fuss, nothing weird—just hearty, reliable flavors that absolutely everyone wants seconds of.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for your favorite cheeses, veggies, or seasonings.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: The heart of your meatloaf—stick with lean for the right balance of juiciness and structure.
- Yellow Onion (Chopped): Brings sweetness and depth, reminiscent of those classic Philly cheesesteak onions.
- Green Bell Pepper (Chopped Small): Adds a mild, peppery crunch and keeps things vibrant.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing your veg—brings out their flavor and ensures they cook to soft, fragrant perfection.
- Panko Crumbs: Holds everything together and keeps the loaf unbelievably tender without weighing it down.
- Eggs (Large): Binds everything so your meatloaf holds its shape.
- Minced Garlic: A flavor booster—don’t skip it!
- Onion Powder: Layers in even more savory character.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The not-so-secret ingredient for an umami punch you’ll absolutely appreciate.
- Provolone Cheese Slices: A must for that true Philly cheesesteak creaminess; opt for a sharp or aged provolone for bolder flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: For a burst of freshness and color at the end.
- Salt & Pepper: Taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
Tip: Let sautéed onions and peppers cool slightly before mixing them into the ground beef to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe—meatloaf should be fun!
- Swap the Cheese: Not a provolone fan? Try mozzarella, white American, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add Mushrooms: For extra meatiness and that true cheesesteak flair, throw in sautéed mushrooms.
- Go Turkey: Ground turkey works beautifully here if you’re after something lighter.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the mix will add some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it has time to preheat. Grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter—a step you definitely don’t want to skip.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and green peppers and cook them until they’re soft, fragrant, and just starting to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf
Transfer those sautéed veggies to a large bowl. Add the ground beef, panko crumbs, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands—don’t overwork the meat, or your loaf can turn out dense.
Step 4: Assemble with Cheese
Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan. Lay 4 slices of provolone over top for surprise melty layers. Cover with the remaining meat mixture—press gently for a firm, even loaf.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the loaf in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. It should start to brown and set up nicely.
Step 6: Top with More Cheese
Take the loaf out, lay the last slices of provolone on top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, then return it to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, just until the cheese becomes beautifully oozy and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest, Slice & Serve
Let the meatloaf cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes (it’ll slice much cleaner). Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: For tender meatloaf, fold the ingredients together just until combined.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes helps juices redistribute and gives firm, neat slices.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Slicing provolone yourself rather than buying pre-sliced can make a noticeable difference in melt and flavor.
- Test for Doneness: If you have one, a meat thermometer should read 160°F in the center for cooked-through, juicy results.
How to Serve
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf begs to be center stage, but the right sides send it over the top!
- Classic Sides: Pair with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even thick-cut fries for comfort on a plate.
- Veggies Galore: Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad keep things fresh.
- Sandwich-Style: Pop a thick slice in a crusty hoagie roll, maybe top with more melted cheese and sautéed peppers—ultimate Philly-style sandwich, anyone?
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of ketchup, steak sauce, or a creamy horseradish dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slices are great for quick lunches!
Freezing
Wrap slices individually or keep the whole loaf tightly wrapped. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices in a microwave, or reheat in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until heated through. A splash of broth or water in the baking dish keeps everything moist.
FAQs
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Can I use a different ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork work well. Just keep an eye on moisture since leaner meats can dry out more easily—consider adding a splash of milk or extra Worcestershire for juiciness.
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Do I have to use a loaf pan?
Not at all. If you don’t have a loaf pan, simply shape the meat mixture by hand into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. It will cook a bit faster and may have crispier edges!
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What’s the best way to keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Eggs and panko are crucial here—don’t skip them. Also, let your meatloaf rest before slicing to help it hold together beautifully.
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Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare and assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is pure comfort—warm, cheesy, and bursting with the flavors you crave. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but special enough to share with friends or family. Don’t wait to give it a try—let this become your new go-to weeknight dinner that’ll put a smile on every face around your table!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf combines the best of two comfort foods into one hearty meal. Juicy, flavorful ground beef is mixed with sautéed onions and peppers, layered with gooey provolone cheese, and baked to perfection for a cheesy, savory twist on the classic meatloaf.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of salt and pepper
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped large
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped small
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese & Garnish
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Oven – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté Vegetables – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix Meatloaf – In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and pepper mixture with ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix together using your hands just until evenly incorporated.
- Layer Meatloaf and Cheese – Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. Add half of the meat mixture into the pan and gently press it down. Add 4 slices of provolone cheese in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. Spread the remaining meat mixture over the cheese to cover it completely.
- Bake – Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the meat cooks through.
- Add Cheese & Garnish – Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Place the remaining 2 slices of provolone cheese over the top, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve – Allow the meatloaf to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey.
- If you prefer, add sautéed mushrooms for additional depth of flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps it slice more easily.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 meatloaf
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
