Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Love the bold, beefy flavors of a Philly cheesesteak? This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes everything you crave about the classic sandwich—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese—and transforms it into a hearty, sliceable meatloaf that’s packed with comfort. It’s a weeknight dinner winner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family meals or potlucks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All-in-One Meal – Everything you love in a cheesesteak, all in one delicious loaf.
Melted Cheese Inside – Gooey cheese filling in the center of the meatloaf for that classic Philly touch.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, perfect for sandwiches.
Easy to Make – Simple steps with major flavor payoff.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved, adult-loved, and ideal for feeding a hungry crew.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

2 lbs ground beef

1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 eggs

¼ cup milk

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp ketchup

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp paprika

For the Filling:

1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

Optional: 4 slices of mild cheddar or American-style cheese

For the Topping:

½ cup shredded cheese (your choice of provolone, mozzarella, or a blend)

2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
Skillet
Spatula
Sharp knife
Aluminum foil
Baking sheet (if not using a loaf pan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil.
Sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
Fold in the cooled sautéed peppers and onions along with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Step 4: Layer with Cheese
Divide the meat mixture into two equal parts.
Press half into the bottom of the loaf pan, creating a shallow well in the center.
Fill the center with 1 cup shredded cheese (or cheese slices).
Cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges, shaping it into a loaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top, and return to the oven.
Bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Slice thick and serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or your favorite sandwich roll.

Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces excess grease while still being flavorful.
Cheese in the Center – Melted cheese in the middle creates a surprise cheesesteak bite.
Let It Rest – Allowing it to rest helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.
Customize Cheese – Try pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss for different flavor twists.
Add Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms blend right in for a richer umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Classic Comfort – Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
Sandwich Style – Toast thick slices on a hoagie roll with extra cheese and peppers.
Low-Carb Option – Pair with a side salad or cauliflower mash.
Make It Tex-Mex – Add jalapeños and serve with corn and avocado salad.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Microwave: Heat slices on medium power in 30-second intervals.

Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, both work well—just be sure to sauté the veggies thoroughly and avoid overcooking.
2. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Is it gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
   Provolone is most traditional, but mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend all melt beautifully.
5. Can I bake without a loaf pan?
   Yes! Shape the loaf on a lined baking sheet for a more rustic look and even crust.

Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the ultimate mashup of two classic comfort foods. Packed with savory beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, it’s everything you love about a cheesesteak—but baked into a satisfying, sliceable dish. Perfect for dinner, better the next day, and always a hit with the whole family.

Give it a try and tell me how it turned out! Tag your photos online, leave a comment, and share the cheesesteak love.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 550mg

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