If you love the bold, melty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but crave the comfort of a hearty home-cooked meal, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the perfect fusion. It combines all the iconic elements of the sandwich — tender beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and gooey cheese — packed into a juicy, flavorful loaf that’s baked to perfection. I tried this recipe using provolone and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth, and it turned out absolutely irresistible. The melted cheese pockets inside give every slice a rich, indulgent surprise, while the vegetables add just the right amount of sweetness and texture. It’s hearty, satisfying, and destined to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average meatloaf — it’s a cheesy, savory masterpiece that blends the spirit of Philadelphia’s favorite sandwich with a cozy dinner classic. The balance of flavors is spot on: juicy ground beef, soft onions and peppers, and a blanket of melted provolone that ties everything together. It’s easy to prepare, makes incredible leftovers, and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on every level — flavor, comfort, and creativity.
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Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: A Comfort-Food Classic with a Cheesy Twist
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious twist on a classic comfort food — this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and melty provolone cheese for a rich, cheesy, and hearty dinner that captures all the flavors of the iconic sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 slices provolone cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced peppers and onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
- Stir in the cooled pepper and onion mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Layer 4 slices of provolone cheese on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture over the cheese and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and place remaining 4 slices of provolone on top. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: brush with ketchup or glaze before baking for extra flavor.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter version.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
- This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches — just reheat a slice and serve on a toasted hoagie roll.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Choose an 80/20 blend for the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf. The fat content ensures a tender texture that won’t dry out while baking.
Green bell pepper
Adds a mild sweetness and crunch reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak filling.
Onion
Caramelized onions bring depth and a touch of sweetness that balance the savory beef and cheese.
Garlic
A few minced cloves elevate the flavor, giving the meatloaf a subtle aromatic edge.
Provolone cheese
Smooth and melty, provolone is the traditional choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. You’ll layer it both inside and on top for that perfect cheesy pull.
Eggs
Act as a binder, helping the meatloaf hold its shape while remaining moist.
Breadcrumbs
Absorb the juices and bind the mixture together, ensuring a tender but firm loaf.
Milk
Adds moisture and keeps the meatloaf from becoming dense.
Worcestershire sauce
Brings umami richness and enhances the meaty flavor.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning and balance.
Optional toppings – sautéed mushrooms or cheese sauce
Take it up a notch by adding mushrooms or a drizzle of cheese sauce over the baked loaf.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft and slightly caramelized — about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — overmixing can make the loaf dense. Fold in the cooked vegetables and half of the provolone cheese pieces.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove from the oven and top with the remaining provolone slices. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or extra sautéed onions if desired. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even on toasted sandwich rolls for a fun twist.
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
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For the best texture, avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat and melt the cheese unevenly.
Variations and Customizations
Cheese Lover’s Version
Add shredded mozzarella or provolone between layers of the meat mixture for extra cheesiness.
Mushroom Medley
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the mixture for a richer, umami-packed flavor.
Spicy Philly Twist
Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for a kick of heat.
Low-Carb Option
Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep it keto-friendly.
Steakhouse Glaze
Brush the top with a mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire, and brown sugar before baking for a sweet-savory crust.
Mini Meatloaves
Shape the mixture into small individual loaves and bake for 25–30 minutes — perfect for meal prep or portion control.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but note that turkey is leaner, so you may need to add a bit more milk or cheese for moisture.
2. What cheese works best besides provolone?
Mozzarella, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives.
3. Can I add mushrooms to the mix?
Absolutely! Mushrooms add a delicious earthy flavor that complements the beef.
4. Should I use a loaf pan or baking sheet?
A baking sheet gives the meatloaf a caramelized crust all around, while a loaf pan keeps it moister.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the meatloaf up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
6. What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad are great companions.
7. Can I stuff the meatloaf with cheese?
Yes, layering cheese in the middle makes for a gooey surprise when sliced.
8. How do I know when it’s done?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked beef.
9. Can I make a sandwich with leftovers?
Definitely — it makes an incredible Philly-style sandwich when reheated and served on a roll with melted cheese.
10. Can I freeze the meatloaf raw?
Yes, assemble it and wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf brings the best of two comfort classics together — the savory satisfaction of a cheesesteak and the hearty coziness of homemade meatloaf. With tender beef, caramelized vegetables, and a blanket of melted cheese, every bite is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare, tastes incredible, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether served for Sunday dinner or as next-day sandwiches, this recipe proves that some combinations are simply meant to be.
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