If you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, then you’re in for a treat. Imagine the delicious, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, but in the form of a comforting, hearty meatloaf. That’s exactly what this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf delivers—tender, juicy meatloaf with all the elements of a classic cheesesteak sandwich, including sautéed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and melted provolone cheese. It’s the perfect dish to elevate your meatloaf game and introduce a new, flavorful twist to a classic family dinner.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delicious dish, from ingredients to instructions, along with some tips to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Meatloaf is one of those classic comfort foods that can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences. Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes the traditional meatloaf to the next level by incorporating all the fantastic flavors of the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich. With sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and plenty of provolone cheese, this dish delivers a savory flavor punch that’s hard to beat.
This recipe is also quite versatile, allowing for modifications based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at a dinner party, Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
To recreate the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in meatloaf form, you’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables, rich seasonings, and hearty ingredients that balance moisture and texture. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this comfort food mashup:
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Butter: A couple of tablespoons to sauté the veggies, adding a rich depth of flavor right from the start. It also helps bring out the natural sweetness of onions and peppers.
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Yellow Onion: Just one small onion, diced, adds that classic cheesesteak taste. When cooked down, it adds both flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
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Green Bell Pepper: Another signature element of the Philly flavor profile. Dice it small so it blends into the meat mixture smoothly and cooks evenly.
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Brown Mushrooms: About half a pound, finely chopped. Mushrooms add earthiness and moisture, ensuring the meatloaf stays juicy without overwhelming the palate.
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Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning essentials to bring out the natural flavors in both the beef and vegetables. The kosher salt enhances texture and seasoning balance, while the black pepper adds a mild kick.
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Ketchup: Just a couple tablespoons add a hint of sweetness and tang, as well as helping to bind the meatloaf together. It’s a background player, but an important one.
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Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for deep, savory flavor. Just two tablespoons can completely elevate the umami level of your dish.
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Eggs: These act as the glue that holds everything together. They provide structure and help bind the ground beef with the rest of the ingredients.
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Ground Beef: Use two pounds of 80/20 or 85/15 lean beef. This ratio ensures plenty of flavor and juiciness without becoming overly greasy or dry.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: Lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, panko helps absorb moisture and keep the texture fluffy and tender instead of dense.
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Provolone Cheese Slices: This smooth, slightly sharp cheese melts beautifully. You’ll layer it in the middle of the meatloaf for a cheesy surprise in every slice, and then melt more on top just before serving for that signature Philly cheesesteak finish.
For Dietary Modifications:
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Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free version, simply substitute the provolone cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
This dish is relatively easy to make and comes together in a few simple steps. Follow the directions below for a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf that your family will love!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by heating the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until softened. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the vegetables aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sautéed vegetables, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, ground beef, and panko breadcrumbs. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf. The mixture should be well incorporated, but still moist and easy to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf and Add Provolone Cheese
Divide the meat mixture in half. On a lined baking sheet, form the first half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Once the base of the meatloaf is formed, layer it with slices of provolone cheese. Carefully top the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges of the loaf to keep the cheese inside.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To ensure the meatloaf is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
In the final 5 minutes of baking, add an extra layer of provolone cheese on top of the meatloaf. Let the cheese melt over the top for a few minutes, creating that signature gooey, cheesy topping that everyone loves.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures each slice holds together beautifully. Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Making Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
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Use lean beef: Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best texture. You can also opt for a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner version.
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Add extra cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, you can stuff the center of the meatloaf with additional cheese, such as mozzarella, for a melty, gooey center.
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Customize the veggies: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or spinach, to suit your taste.
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Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle. This step helps keep the meatloaf moist and makes it easier to slice.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional content will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used, here’s a general breakdown for one serving of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:
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Calories: 350-400 per serving (based on 8 servings)
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Protein: 25-30g per serving
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Carbohydrates: 20-25g per serving
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Fat: 20-25g per serving
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Sodium: 500-600mg per serving
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful meatloaf recipes or comfort food with a twist, you might enjoy these related recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?
The “secret ingredient” that gives a Philly cheesesteak its signature flavor isn’t a single spice or sauce—it’s the combination of sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and melty provolone cheese that create that iconic taste. Some traditional recipes also include mushrooms for added umami depth. In the case of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, these ingredients are folded right into the beef mixture, capturing all that beloved flavor in every bite. The Worcestershire sauce also adds a punch of umami that enhances the meat’s savoriness—many cooks consider it the real secret weapon in meatloaf dishes like this one.
What cut of meat is good for Philly cheesesteak?
A classic Philly cheesesteak is usually made using thinly sliced ribeye steak, known for its rich marbling and tender bite when cooked quickly on a griddle. However, when you’re making Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, you’re using ground beef instead. For best results, use 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef—these ratios ensure a juicy, flavorful meatloaf without being overly greasy. If you want to mimic the luxurious mouthfeel of ribeye, stick with quality beef that has some fat content but isn’t too lean.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
Keeping meatloaf moist is all about balance. The key lies in combining the right amount of meat, moisture-retaining ingredients (like eggs and ketchup), and binders (like breadcrumbs). In this recipe, sautéed vegetables also play a crucial role. The mushrooms, onions, and peppers release moisture into the mix while also enhancing the overall flavor. Another big tip? Don’t overmix the meat—doing so can lead to a dense, dry loaf. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is also essential; it helps the juices redistribute and keeps every slice tender and moist.
What makes it a Philly cheesesteak?
To truly earn the name, a Philly cheesesteak-inspired dish must feature the classic components that made the sandwich famous: seasoned beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese—typically provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz. What makes Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf special is how it takes these beloved flavors and packs them into a comforting, sliceable dish. Instead of a hoagie roll, the meatloaf becomes the vessel for those rich, cheesy flavors. The result is a mash-up of two comfort food classics that delivers on both nostalgia and flavor.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of two classic comfort foods into one savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal. The combination of sautéed vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and melted provolone cheese makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this meatloaf is guaranteed to be a hit.
Follow the easy steps outlined above, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheese options and veggie combinations to make this dish truly your own!
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Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe for Cheese Lovers
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf! This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf combines juicy ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a melty provolone cheese center. It’s everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—reimagined into a hearty, oven-baked dinner the whole family will crave.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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1 small green bell pepper, diced
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8 ounces brown mushrooms, finely minced
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 large eggs
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2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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8 ounces provolone cheese slices
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, and sautéed veggies. Mix gently until fully combined.
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Divide the meat mixture in half. Shape the first half into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
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Layer half the provolone slices over the loaf, leaving a small border.
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Cover with the remaining meat mixture and shape it to seal in the cheese.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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In the last 5 minutes of baking, top with remaining provolone slices and let melt.
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
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For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
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Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches!
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You can shape and prep the loaf ahead of time—just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, Cheesesteak Meatloaf, Philly-style meatloaf, ground beef recipes, cheesy meatloaf, easy family dinner, provolone meatloaf, baked cheesesteak meatloaf