This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic! It’s packed with tender beef, tasty peppers, and gooey cheese all baked together to perfection.
When you slice into it, the melty cheese stretches out, and it feels like a warm hug on your plate! I love serving it with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal, don’t you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using 80/20 for a juicy meatloaf. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10, but keep in mind it might be less juicy. Ground turkey or chicken can also work, but you may need to add extra seasoning.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These veggies bring flavor and moisture. If you’re not a fan of green peppers, red or yellow peppers can be a sweet alternative. You could even use mushrooms for a different taste!
Cheddar and Provolone Cheese: I think a mix of cheddar and provolone gives the best cheesy flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cheese blend instead. Nutritional yeast is a good way to add a cheesy flavor to the mix.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but panko can add extra crunch. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. I often just pulse old bread in the blender to keep it fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Keep Meatloaf Moist and Flavorful?
To ensure your meatloaf is moist and flavorful, follow these key steps:
- Soften and sauté the onions and peppers until they are tender. This adds great flavor and moisture.
- Combine the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, so mix until just combined.
- Adding milk and eggs helps with moisture, so don’t skip these ingredients—they act as binders and keep it tender.
- Press your meatloaf into shape but avoid packing it too tightly. This helps maintain a good texture.
- Let it rest after baking. Allowing it to sit for about 10 minutes keeps the juices inside when you slice it.
With these tips, your meatloaf will be deliciously moist and packed with flavor! Enjoy cooking!
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or a provolone-cheddar mix)
- 4 oz provolone cheese slices
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to bake. Make sure to let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking to get those perfect slices. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Sauté:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a skillet, put it on medium heat, and add the olive oil or butter. Toss in the finely chopped onions and green bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool a bit.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the cooled onion-pepper-garlic mix. Then, add breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Now, mix everything together—be gentle but thorough! It’s important to not overmix; this helps keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Assemble the Meatloaf:
Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Next, layer the provolone cheese slices on top of the cheddar. Cover it all with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring to press gently to seal those cheesy layers inside.
4. Bake It Up:
Place your assembled meatloaf in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to make sure it’s cooked perfectly.
5. Finishing Touches:
If you want a nice golden top, you can turn on the broiler for an extra 3-5 minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once it’s done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the cheese from oozing out too much when you cut into it.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf, garnish it with fresh chopped parsley, and serve it warm. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your hearty, melty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that you might want to add a bit more seasoning or moisture, such as an extra egg or a bit of broth, as turkey can be drier than beef.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can replace breadcrumbs with crushed cracker crumbs, oats, or even cooked rice. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the right texture, aiming for a binding agent that’ll help hold the meatloaf together.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Meatloaf?
The best way to reheat meatloaf is in the oven to maintain its texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatloaf slices in a baking dish, covered with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, just be sure to heat in intervals to avoid drying it out!
