This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with tender beef, bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a hearty loaf.
Who knew meatloaf could be this exciting? I like to serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. It’s a great way to impress dinner guests without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80% lean for a juicy meatloaf. If you’d prefer a leaner option, you can use 93% lean beef, but it may be slightly drier. Ground turkey can also be a great alternative, just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work best, but if you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I enjoy using panko for extra texture; it keeps the meatloaf light and fluffy!
Cheese: Provolone cheese adds that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you can’t find it, American cheese is another good choice. For a stronger flavor, try cheddar or even pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Veggies: Onions and bell peppers are crucial for taste. Feel free to swap the bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter flavor. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can omit them or replace them with grated zucchini for moisture.
Why Is Sautéing the Vegetables Important?
Sautéing your vegetables, especially onions and peppers, brings out their natural sweetness and flavors. It also softens them, so they blend well into the meatloaf instead of being crunchy.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and optional mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic for the last minute to prevent burning, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
This step is simple but makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your meatloaf!
How Do You Prevent a Dense Meatloaf?
To achieve a tender meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat when combining it with your other ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Gently mix the beef with other ingredients until just combined.
- If the mixture feels overly wet, let it rest for a few minutes. The breadcrumbs will soak up some moisture.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf every time!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Meat and Dairy:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Binders and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Cheese:
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese slices)
- Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing veggies)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping and serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will require about 15 minutes for preparation and about 60-70 minutes for baking. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including resting time before slicing and serving. It’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the meatloaf later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and optional mushrooms, along with the minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything together gently until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix! That can make your meatloaf tough.
4. Mix in the Vegetables:
Now, fold the sautéed vegetables into the meat mixture gently, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the meat.
5. Form the Loaf:
Spread half of the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Then, lay the slices of provolone cheese over this layer. Finally, add the remaining meat mixture on top, pressing down gently to create an even loaf.
6. Add Topping:
Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This will keep it moist as it bakes and add some nice flavor.
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
8. Add More Cheese (Optional):
If you want extra cheesy goodness, add more slices of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting step helps the juices redistribute!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve with extra ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf!
Can I Use Different Meats for This Meatloaf?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for these meats.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to add extra baking time if you’re starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them first to prevent excess moisture in the meatloaf.
