This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes a beloved sandwich and transforms it into a comforting, easy-to-make dinner. Imagine savory ground beef packed with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms, then stuffed with gooey provolone cheese.
Topped with a tangy-sweet glaze, this unique meatloaf delivers all those classic Philly flavors you crave in a satisfying, family-friendly package.
According to National Geographic, the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich originated in 1930s Philadelphia.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
You’ll adore this recipe for its irresistible taste and straightforward preparation. It brings the iconic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf right to your dinner table without the fuss.
- Enjoy a fun, unique spin on a classic comfort food.
- This recipe is simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feeds the whole family.
- Customize it with your favorite cheese or additional veggies.
- Prep is straightforward, making it beginner-friendly for any home cook.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. You’ll combine savory beef with classic Philly-inspired vegetables and a rich topping.
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup sourdough breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¼ teaspoons sea salt
- pinch black pepper
- ½ medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- ½ medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces provolone cheese slices or pepper jack (reserve half of the cheese for topping the meatloaf at the end)
For the Ketchup Topping:
- ¼ cup beef bone broth or beef stock
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey mustard or dijon mustard
Notes & Substitutions
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. You can easily make this Philly-style meatloaf your own.
- For the meat, try ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef. If you need gluten-free breadcrumbs, use certified gluten-free oat flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or mozzarella in place of provolone. Almond milk or water works if you do not have whole milk.
- Adjust the topping’s sweetness with less sugar, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Instructions For The Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. Enjoy a straightforward cooking process that yields fantastic results every time.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the sliced onions, finely diced green bell pepper, and thinly sliced baby bella mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they soften and turn a lovely golden brown. Set them aside to cool completely before the next step.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, sourdough breadcrumbs, egg, and whole milk. Add the cooled sautéed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix all ingredients thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Make the Ketchup Topping: Grab a small bowl and whisk together the beef bone broth, ketchup, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), and honey mustard (or Dijon mustard). Whisk until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. This glaze adds a wonderful tangy-sweet finish.
- Assemble and Bake: Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9-inch loaf pan. Next, arrange four slices of provolone cheese over the meat layer, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, gently pressing the edges to seal in the cheese filling. Pour the prepared ketchup sauce generously over the top of the entire meatloaf. Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Drain and Broil: After 45 minutes of cooking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any accumulated drippings from the pan. Return the meatloaf to the oven for the remaining 15 minutes of baking. Once the full hour is up, remove the meatloaf from the oven again. Set your oven to broil.
- Top the meatloaf with the remaining slices of provolone cheese, then return it to the oven under the broiler for 5-8 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully browned. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley, if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice every time. Serve your hearty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Achieve an outstanding meatloaf with these helpful tips. These simple tricks ensure a flavorful, moist, and perfectly cooked dish.
- Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture; mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Enhance Flavor: Take time to caramelize the onions, peppers, and mushrooms well for deeper, richer taste.
- Achieve Perfect Texture: Avoid compacting the meat mixture too tightly in the pan, allowing for better texture.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Broiling Perfection: Watch the cheese closely under the broiler to prevent burning; it can brown quickly.
- Why Resting is Crucial: Always let your meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain its delicious juices.
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to destroy harmful bacteria.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with many sides and stores beautifully for future meals. Get creative with variations to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve generous slices with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
- Pair it with roasted asparagus or a medley of roasted root vegetables.
- Enjoy it on a toasted crusty roll, turning leftovers into an amazing sandwich.
- Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate any leftover meatloaf promptly within two hours of cooking.
- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual cooked slices in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Variations
- Spice It Up: Mix in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture for a kick.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses inside or on top, like smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
- Extra Veggies: Fold in finely shredded carrots, celery, or a handful of fresh spinach for added nutrients.
- Keto-Friendly: Omit the breadcrumbs and replace them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Information
This hearty meatloaf offers a delicious and protein-packed meal for your family. It provides substantial energy and savory satisfaction.
For a complete breakdown of calories, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, refer to the detailed nutrition information provided on the full recipe card. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf makes a robust addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380-450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-30g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15g |
| Cholesterol | 100-120mg |
| Sodium | 800-950mg |
| Total Carbs | 15-20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3g |
| Total Sugars | 8-10g |
| Protein | 25-30g |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; insert it into the center, and it should read 160°F (71°C).
What kind of ground meat works best?
Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works well for a good balance of flavor and less grease. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf truly brings a delightful twist to a classic comfort food. It masterfully combines the iconic flavors of juicy steak, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese into a satisfying family meal.
Simple to prepare yet packed with incredible taste, this recipe is a winner for any night of the week. Give it a try soon and watch it become a new favorite! Share your culinary creations and let us know how much you enjoyed this unique dish!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms in a skillet for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, cooled vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk beef broth, ketchup, sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
- Press half the meat mixture into a 9-inch loaf pan. Layer half the provolone slices over it. Add remaining meat and seal edges. Top with glaze.
- Bake for 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, drain excess drippings, then continue baking. Broil for 5–8 minutes with remaining cheese on top until bubbly and browned.
- Let meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
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