Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Take your classic meatloaf game to a whole new level with this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf—a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that combines everything you love about a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting form of meatloaf. Juicy ground beef is mixed with sautéed peppers and onions, layered with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden. It’s the perfect dinner when you want something warm, satisfying, and totally irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Philly Flavor in Every Bite – All the iconic cheesesteak ingredients baked into a loaf.
Cheesy Center Surprise – Melted cheese in the middle adds gooey goodness.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully and makes epic sandwiches.
Family-Friendly – Comfort food everyone at the table will devour.
Easy to Make – Simple steps with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 ½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping if desired)
• Optional: 4 slices cheddar or American-style cheese for extra creaminess

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Skillet
9×5 inch loaf pan
Aluminum foil
Pastry brush (for optional glaze)
Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Add the sautéed pepper mixture and stir to combine evenly.
Do not overmix—just enough to bring everything together.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese
Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions.
Press one half into the bottom of a greased loaf pan.
Create a shallow trench down the center and fill with shredded provolone (and optional cheese slices for extra gooeyness).
Top with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges so the cheese stays inside during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the loaf with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and sprinkle more cheese over the top if desired.
Bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Slice thick and serve with your favorite sides, or tuck into a hoagie roll for the ultimate cheesesteak sandwich-style meal.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces grease while keeping the loaf juicy.
Mix Gently – Overworking the mixture can make the meatloaf dense.
Don’t Skip the Rest – Letting it rest helps the loaf set and slice cleanly.
Get Creative – Add sautéed mushrooms or swap in pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Add a Glaze – For extra flavor, brush the top with a little ketchup and Worcestershire before baking.

Serving Suggestions
Classic Combo – Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
Loaded Sandwich – Pile slices onto a toasted hoagie with extra cheese and peppers.
Low-Carb Option – Pair with cauliflower mash or a crisp green salad.
Weeknight Shortcut – Make ahead and reheat slices throughout the week.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze whole or sliced in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat slices at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat gently in 30-second intervals on medium power.
• Air Fryer: Crisp up slices at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Just make sure to sauté the veggies well and check the internal temperature (165°F for poultry).

2. What kind of cheese is best?
Provolone is classic for a Philly flavor, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss work great too.

3. Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the meat mixture into a free-form loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C). The top should be nicely browned.

Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the kind of comfort food that brings big smiles to the dinner table. With its melty cheese center, tender beef, and savory peppers and onions, it’s a delicious twist on two beloved classics. Whether you serve it sliced with sides or tucked into a roll, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Try it out this week and let me know what you think! Share your meatloaf creations on social media or leave a review below—I’d love to hear how it turned out.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 560mg

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