The iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak are reimagined in this mouthwatering meatloaf recipe, creating a dish that blends comfort food tradition with sandwich-shop nostalgia. With every slice, you get tender beef and pork seasoned to perfection, studded with sautéed bell peppers and onions, and oozing with melted provolone cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a creative twist on classic meatloaf night, this dish brings the warmth of home-cooked meals and the satisfaction of a hearty sandwich in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your comfort food rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 lb ground pork
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1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup shredded provolone cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 eggs
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 cup milk
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Optional garnish: parsley, extra cheese slices for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions and bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Stir in the sautéed vegetables and shredded provolone cheese until everything is well combined.
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Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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If desired, add extra cheese slices on top during the last 5 minutes of baking and allow to melt.
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Rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
When two comfort food legends collide, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. That’s exactly what happens with Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf a creative fusion that brings the best elements of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into the hearty, homestyle embrace of a traditional meatloaf.
This dish is a flavor-packed, soul-satisfying meal that balances the juiciness of ground beef and pork with sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey melted provolone cheese. Whether you’re a die-hard meatloaf fan or a cheesesteak enthusiast, this unique recipe offers a delicious way to shake up your dinner routine.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf lies in its ability to bridge two universally loved dishes. Traditional meatloaf is known for its comfort and practicality an economical dish that feeds a family and satisfies cravings. The Philly cheesesteak, on the other hand, is iconic for its street-food appeal, made famous by thinly sliced beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese on a crusty roll.
By merging the two, you get the heartiness of a meatloaf with the bold, savory flavors of a cheesesteak, all in one satisfying bite. This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option, ideal for family meals, potlucks, or anyone seeking that nostalgic cheesesteak flavor without having to hit up a sandwich shop.
Texture and Flavor Harmony
One of the defining features of this meatloaf is its texture. The ground beef and pork combination creates a rich, juicy interior, while the breadcrumbs and eggs bind the mixture for a tender yet structured finish. Sauteed bell peppers and onions add sweetness and a slight crunch, bringing color and contrast to the dish.
The provolone cheese known for its smooth, mild taste melts beautifully throughout the meatloaf, infusing each slice with creamy, cheesy richness. And when you top it off with additional cheese during the last few minutes of baking, you get that golden, slightly crispy cheese layer that elevates the entire experience.
A Family Favorite with a Twist
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is an excellent way to impress at the dinner table without requiring professional cooking skills. Its familiar ingredients appeal to kids and adults alike, and the preparation is straightforward enough for a beginner home cook.
If your family already loves meatloaf, introducing this recipe is an easy way to break the routine while staying within the comfort zone. It’s also great for picky eaters, as the mild seasoning and cheese-forward profile are widely loved.
Tips for Perfecting Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Here are a few helpful pointers to make sure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t Overmix
When combining the meat mixture, mix gently and only until all ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can make the final texture tough and dense.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
Cooking meatloaf to the perfect internal temperature (160°F or 71°C) ensures it’s safe to eat but still juicy. An instant-read thermometer takes out the guesswork.
3. Rest Before Slicing
Letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps the juices redistribute. This prevents it from falling apart and keeps every slice moist.
4. Customize the Cheese
Provolone is traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, white American, or even a cheese blend if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Add Extra Toppings
Want to go all in? Try topping slices of the meatloaf with sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or a drizzle of cheese sauce for a loaded version that pulls no punches.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Swaps
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few creative ideas to customize your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a binder. You can also use heavy cream instead of milk to increase the fat content.
Vegetarian Twist
Though unconventional, you can experiment with plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegan cheese for a vegetarian version. Use sautéed mushrooms to mimic the meatiness of steak.
Spicy Upgrade
Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like a little heat. Pepper Jack cheese also adds a nice spicy kick.
Stuff It!
For a fun surprise, form the meat mixture into two halves, layer extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms in the center, and then seal the loaf before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some classic and creative ideas:
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Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the rich, savory loaf. Add roasted garlic for extra depth.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts adds color and nutrients to the plate.
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Toasted Hoagie Rolls: Transform leftovers into sandwiches by reheating slices and serving on rolls with extra melted cheese.
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Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option that still offers creaminess, mashed cauliflower is a great alternative.
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Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
This recipe stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to four days in an airtight container or freeze slices for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave with a bit of water to maintain moisture.
Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day. Just warm a slice and serve it on a toasted bun with a bit of mayo or cheese sauce. You can also dice the leftovers and use them in a hearty breakfast hash.
Nutritional Profile
While hearty and satisfying, this dish can also fit into a variety of dietary plans with a few adjustments. It offers a good amount of protein, calcium from the cheese, and healthy fats from the meat. By choosing leaner cuts or plant-based alternatives, you can control fat content. Adding more vegetables to the mix or serving with greens boosts its overall nutrition.
If you’re watching your carb intake, remember that breadcrumbs and milk can be swapped out with keto-friendly alternatives, and sugar-free sauces can be used for flavor enhancements.
Conclusion:
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a dish that represents the best of both worlds: the rustic charm of homemade meatloaf and the bold flavors of a beloved American sandwich. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite not just because it’s easy and delicious, but because it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and cheesy, this meatloaf delivers. With its customizable nature and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.