If you love the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf brings all that goodness to your dinner table in a comforting twist. It’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with sautéed onions, peppers, and gooey melted cheese — all baked inside a perfectly seasoned meatloaf. Think of it as your favorite sandwich reimagined into a hearty, family-friendly meal. I made this once using provolone and mozzarella together, and the double cheese made it even more irresistible. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’s pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf delivers everything you love about the iconic sandwich — savory beef, melted cheese, and flavorful vegetables — in an easy, oven-baked form. It’s tender, juicy, and oozing with cheesy goodness in every slice. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf (Juicy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comfort of juicy, cheesy meatloaf. Packed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted provolone, this twist on a traditional meatloaf is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the sautéed vegetables and mix until evenly incorporated (do not overmix).
- Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared pan. Place 3 slices of provolone cheese on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top and seal the edges to enclose the cheese inside.
- Mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar together, then brush over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Remove from oven, top with remaining 3 slices of provolone, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use ground sirloin or lean ground beef for a less greasy meatloaf.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- For extra gooeyness, mix some shredded provolone or mozzarella into the meat mixture.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The heart of the dish, providing rich flavor and juicy texture. A mix of 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best.
Bell peppers – Add sweetness and a pop of color to the meatloaf. Green, red, or a mix of both works well.
Onion – Brings savory depth and balances the sweetness of the peppers.
Garlic – Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Provolone cheese – The classic Philly cheesesteak cheese that melts perfectly inside the loaf.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the mixture and give the meatloaf structure.
Eggs – Essential for binding and keeping the loaf tender and moist.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth and enhances the beefy flavor.
Milk – Keeps the loaf soft and prevents it from drying out.
Salt and pepper – Basic but essential seasonings that bring everything together.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables before mixing them in.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Spread half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly. Lay slices of provolone cheese on top, then add the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese layer.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). For extra cheesiness, top with additional provolone during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for the perfect meal.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of baking time — ready in just over 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf
Use a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar for extra gooey, melty layers.
Spicy Philly Version
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
Mushroom Lovers’ Meatloaf
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor and more moisture.
Low-Carb Option
Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a binder.
BBQ Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Drizzle with barbecue sauce before baking for a smoky-sweet twist.
No-Bake Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Cook the mixture in a skillet instead of baking for a faster, one-pan version.
Mini Philly Meatloaves
Shape into muffin tins for perfectly portioned, grab-and-go servings.
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, Swiss, or white American cheese work great too.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?
Don’t overmix the meat and be sure to include milk and eggs for moisture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, just reduce baking time slightly and add extra seasoning for flavor.
Can I make it without breadcrumbs?
Yes, crushed crackers or oats can be used instead.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, this step softens them and enhances the flavor.
What side dishes go well with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread are perfect.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, tightly wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I add sauce on top?
Yes, a drizzle of melted cheese, gravy, or even marinara adds extra flavor.
How do I know when it’s done?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup — juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. With its tender beef, melty provolone, and sautéed peppers and onions, it delivers everything you love about the classic sandwich in an easy-to-serve dinner. Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep, this meatloaf is hearty, satisfying, and destined to become a household favorite. One bite, and you’ll never look at traditional meatloaf the same way again.
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