Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a creative fusion of two classic comfort foods: the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the traditional meatloaf. This dish combines seasoned ground beef with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted Provolone cheese, capturing the essence of the Philly cheesesteak in a heartier, sliceable form. Its popularity stems from the way it blends the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich with the comforting, familiar texture of meatloaf, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and gatherings.

Origins of Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak sandwich originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s, created by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef instead. The aroma attracted attention, and soon, the sandwich became a local favorite, especially when topped with melted cheese. The sandwich’s fame spread, becoming an iconic symbol of Philadelphia cuisine.

The inspiration for Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf comes from the desire to merge the flavors of the cheesesteak with the comfort and versatility of meatloaf. By combining the signature ingredients—beef, cheese, onions, and peppers—into a baked, sliceable form, this dish offers a new way to enjoy the beloved sandwich in a more substantial, family-friendly format.

Why Meatloaf?

Meatloaf has long been a staple of American comfort food, cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd. It embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, offering warmth and nostalgia with every bite. The combination of Philly cheesesteak and meatloaf creates a unique dish by bringing together the rich, savory flavors of the classic Philly sandwich with the hearty, familiar texture of meatloaf. This fusion appeals to a wide audience—families appreciate its ease and familiarity, while gatherings benefit from its crowd-pleasing flavors and substantial servings. The dish offers a creative twist on tradition, making it an ideal choice for those looking to elevate their everyday meals or impress at a dinner party.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Key Ingredients:

1. Ground Beef: The base of the meatloaf, providing a rich and savory flavor. Typically, a blend of 80/20 ground beef is used for optimal moisture and texture.
2. Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and sometimes mushrooms are sautéed to replicate the traditional Philly cheesesteak filling, adding sweetness and a slight crunch.
3. Cheese: Provolone is the preferred choice for its creamy, mild flavor that melts beautifully. It’s a hallmark of the original Philly cheesesteak, bringing authenticity to the dish.

Ingredient Choices:

• Ground Beef: Chosen for its hearty texture and flavor, which complements the other ingredients. It’s important to use ground beef with a good fat content (such as 80/20) to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy.
• Provolone Cheese: Provolone is used for its traditional association with Philly cheesesteaks. Its mild, slightly tangy taste enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other components.
• Vegetables: The choice of onions and bell peppers is essential for capturing the essence of a Philly cheesesteak. Sautéing them before adding to the meatloaf enhances their sweetness and ensures they’re fully cooked in the final dish.

Alternative Ingredients and Variations:

• Cheese Substitutes: Cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese can be used if Provolone is unavailable or if a different flavor profile is desired.
• Ground Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or a meat blend (beef and pork) can be substituted for those seeking a lighter or different flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: Adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or even spinach can bring new flavors and textures to the dish, allowing for customization based on personal preference.
• Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and Italian herbs can be added to the mix to enhance the savory depth of the meatloaf.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide 

Sautéing Vegetables: Techniques and Importance

Sautéing the vegetables is a crucial step in making Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf as it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors. Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms if using) to the pan. Stir frequently to prevent burning, cooking them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This process not only softens the vegetables but also reduces their moisture content, which is essential for preventing the meatloaf from becoming too watery. Once sautéed, allow the vegetables to cool slightly before mixing them with the meat.

Mixing the Meatloaf: Tips for Achieving the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect meatloaf texture requires careful mixing of the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings (like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). The key here is to mix the ingredients just until they are combined—overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed without compacting the mixture too much. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, a splash of milk or broth can help.

Assembling the Meatloaf: Layering Technique for Optimal Flavor

Assembling the meatloaf with layers of cheese is what sets this dish apart. Begin by dividing the meat mixture in half. Press one half into a greased loaf pan or shape it by hand on a baking sheet. Create a slight indentation down the middle of this layer. Lay slices of Provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top, ensuring they don’t reach the edges to prevent melting out during baking. Then, cover with the remaining meat mixture, pressing down gently to seal the edges and encase the cheese. This layering ensures that the cheese melts perfectly within the meatloaf, creating a gooey, flavorful center.

Baking Instructions: Time, Temperature, and Visual Cues

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled meatloaf in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Using a meat thermometer is recommended for accuracy. As the meatloaf bakes, the top should become golden brown, and you may notice some cheese bubbling out—this is a good sign! For added texture, you can brush the top with a mixture of ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking. Once done, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the meatloaf firm up, making it easier to slice and allowing the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf 

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Combine the ingredients just enough to distribute them evenly without compacting the meat.
2. Use the Right Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. Leaner meat (like 90/10) may result in a drier meatloaf, as the fat helps retain moisture.
3. Don’t Skip Sautéing the Vegetables: Adding raw vegetables directly into the meatloaf can lead to uneven cooking and excess moisture. Sautéing onions and peppers softens them and enhances their flavor, which contributes to a better overall texture and taste.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor

1. Add Bacon: For extra flavor, adding cooked, crumbled bacon into the meat mixture or layering it on top before baking brings a smoky, rich taste to the dish.
2. Experiment with Different Cheeses: While Provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteak, experimenting with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar can introduce new flavor dimensions. For a spicier kick, try using Pepper Jack.
3. Incorporate Seasonings: Add extra seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to elevate the depth of flavor in the meatloaf. Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also be added to enhance the umami.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Sandwiches: One creative serving idea is to slice the meatloaf and serve it in hoagie rolls. You can add extra melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and even a drizzle of mayo or ketchup to make it resemble a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
2. Open-Faced Sandwiches: Place slices of meatloaf on toasted bread and top with additional cheese and vegetables for an easy, hearty open-faced sandwich.
3. Meatloaf Sliders: For gatherings or parties, slice the meatloaf into smaller pieces and serve it as sliders. Add a small piece of cheese and sautéed veggies on mini rolls for a fun, handheld version of the dish.
4. Meatloaf with Gravy: For a more traditional approach, serve the meatloaf with a rich brown gravy or even a cheese sauce for an indulgent twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers:

After the meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods:

To reheat refrigerated meatloaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quicker method, microwave slices on medium power for 2-3 minutes, but be cautious as microwaving can sometimes dry out the meat. To maintain moisture, add a splash of broth or cover with a damp paper towel while microwaving. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before following the reheating instructions above.

FAQs

Can this be made without sautéing the veggies?
Yes, but sautéing enhances the flavor and softens the vegetables, which improves the texture and taste of the meatloaf. If you prefer not to sauté, chop the vegetables finely to ensure they cook through.

What cheese alternatives can be used?
While Provolone is traditional, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its unique taste and texture to the dish.

How to make it gluten-free?
To make the meatloaf gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that any additional seasonings or sauces used are also gluten-free.

Can you freeze the meatloaf?
Yes, the meatloaf can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

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• Author: Christine

Pin Recipe

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Description

This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. Juicy ground beef is combined with sautéed onions and bell peppers, layered with gooey Provolone cheese, and baked to perfection. The result is a hearty, flavorful meatloaf that captures the essence of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large eggs
• 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 8 ounces Provolone cheese slices

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large (9×5) loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes before stirring, then let brown for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, blend the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and eggs until smooth. Add the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and panko breadcrumbs, and mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
• Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Lay half of the provolone cheese slices in a single layer through the center of the meatloaf, about 2 inches wide. Top with the remaining meat mixture.
• Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the remaining provolone cheese slices, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, be sure to sauté the vegetables before mixing them into the meatloaf. This step enhances the flavors and ensures that the vegetables are fully cooked. If you prefer a different cheese or need to make the dish gluten-free, feel free to substitute ingredients as needed. This meatloaf also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.