This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! It mixes ground beef, peppers, and cheese, all packed into a hearty loaf that’s easy to slice and serve.
You’ll love the cheesy goodness that melts into every bite. I like to serve it with some mashed potatoes for a warm and cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80% lean ground beef for a great balance of flavor and moisture. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken, but be aware that they can dry out more easily, so consider adding extra moisture.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella work great here, but you could also use provolone for a more traditional cheesesteak taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan cheese options can be a good substitute, though the melting quality may vary.
Bread Crumbs: I prefer regular breadcrumbs, but panko can provide a crunchier texture. If gluten-free is important to you, there are excellent GF breadcrumbs available, or even crushed cornflakes work well!
Vegetables: While green bell peppers and onions are classic, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or diced jalapeños for extra flavor! If you need to avoid nightshades, try shredded carrots or zucchini instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Meatloaf Stays Moist?
Keeping meatloaf moist can be a challenge, but I’ve got some tips to help! First, avoid overmixing your ingredients. Just blend them until combined for a tender loaf.
- Use milk to add moisture while binding the ingredients. You can also add in a bit of grated cheese for creaminess.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This helps redistribute the juices and makes slicing easier.
- Don’t skip the sautéing of the onions and peppers! This not only enhances their flavor but also adds moisture to the mix.
By following these tips, your meatloaf will be deliciously moist and bursting with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and provolone)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf will take about 20 minutes to prep and around 60-75 minutes to cook, plus an additional 10 minutes of resting time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 45 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking your meatloaf evenly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as it can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Gently fold in half of the shredded cheeses into the meat mixture, saving the rest for later. This cheesy layer is what makes it taste like a cheesesteak!
5. Shape the Meatloaf:
Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, placing this in your prepared loaf pan or directly on a lined baking sheet.
6. Layer with Cheese:
Here comes the fun part! Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses evenly over the top of the first meatloaf layer.
7. Cover with More Meat:
Using the rest of the meat mixture, form another loaf and place it on top of the cheese layer to cover it completely. This creates a cheesy center that will surprise everyone when they slice into it!
8. Bake:
Pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and for the cheese to be melted and golden on top.
9. Rest Before Slicing:
Once baked, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it hold together and makes slicing easier.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice it up, and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy your wonderful Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf!
This recipe beautifully combines the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of meatloaf. The sautéed onions and bell peppers, along with gooey melted cheese, make it a family favorite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier than beef, so you may want to add a bit more milk or finely chopped veggies to maintain moisture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble it in your loaf pan, cover it, and bake when you’re ready. This can save you time on a busy weeknight!
What’s the Best Way to Serve It?
This meatloaf is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it by serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce or gravy on top!
