Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe

Grandma’s Homestyle Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf takes on a bold new twist with this hearty Philly cheesesteak meatloaf that combines classic comfort food with zesty Philadelphia-style flavors.

Tender ground beef mingles with sautéed peppers and onions, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

Melted provolone cheese weaves through the meat, adding rich creaminess to every bite.

Sharp bell peppers bring a vibrant crunch that cuts through the robust beef mixture.

The dish carries the soul of a traditional cheesesteak, transformed into a satisfying main course that’s perfect for dinner.

Sliced and served hot, this meatloaf promises to become a new family favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a delicious mashup that brings together the best of two beloved recipes.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

  • Philly Cheese Comfort Plate: Serve the meatloaf sliced alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty family dinner that feels like a warm hug.
  • Cheesy Sandwich Twist: Transform leftovers into an epic sandwich by placing thick slices between toasted hoagie rolls with extra melted provolone cheese and caramelized onions.
  • Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair the meatloaf with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness and add fresh, zesty notes to your meal.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Slice meatloaf into bite-sized pieces and serve as a protein-packed appetizer with toothpicks, perfect for sports gatherings or casual parties.

Store and Reheat Cheesesteak Meatloaf with Ease

  • Refrigerate the meatloaf in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh and safe for future meals.
  • Store sliced meatloaf in sealed containers, lasting 3-4 days when kept at a consistent 40°F (4°C), maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
  • Thaw refrigerated meatloaf overnight, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture.

FAQs

  • Why combine ground beef and ground pork?

The mix creates a more complex flavor and juicier texture compared to using just one type of meat. Ground pork adds richness and prevents the meatloaf from becoming too dry.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone captures the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute with American, mozzarella, or white cheddar cheese for similar melting qualities.

  • How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat while maintaining moisture.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the meatloaf’s binding and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Behind the Philly Cheesesteak Twist

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and serves as the primary protein for the meatloaf's structure.
  • Ground Pork: Adds moisture and additional depth to the meat mixture, creating a more complex taste profile.
For Vegetable Aromatics:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Deliver classic Philly cheesesteak flavor with sweet and slightly tangy notes, adding texture and vibrant color to the meatloaf.
  • Garlic: Infuses intense, aromatic flavor that complements the meat and enhances overall taste complexity.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and prevents it from becoming dense or dry.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft texture in the meatloaf.
  • Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps all ingredients stick together seamlessly.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces deep, umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
For Cheese Layer:
  • Provolone Cheese: Delivers authentic Philly cheesesteak experience with its melty, creamy texture and mild, slightly sharp taste.

Kitchen Tools to Master Cheesesteak Meatloaf

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all meat and ingredient components.
  • Medium skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables until soft and translucent.
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan: Critical for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient quantities.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and peppers.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to cover meatloaf during initial baking stage.
  • Meat thermometer: Helps ensure proper internal cooking temperature.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing and folding ingredients.

Put Together That Cheesesteak Meatloaf

  • Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get a loaf pan ready with a quick spray or parchment paper lining.

  • Sizzle the Veggie Base

Toss onions, peppers, and garlic into a hot skillet with olive oil. Dance them around until they’re soft and fragrant, then let them chill out for a moment.

  • Create the Meaty Masterpiece

In a big mixing bowl, smoosh together ground beef and pork. Splash in breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is buddied up nicely, then fold in those sautéed veggies.

  • Build Your Flavor Tower

Layer half the meat mixture into the pan. Sprinkle provolone cheese like a delicious blanket. Cover with remaining meat, gently pressing to seal the cheesy treasure inside.

  • Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into the oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the internal temp hits 160°F. Let it rest and settle for 5-10 minutes.

  • Serve Up the Deliciousness

Slice your creation and serve alongside mashed potatoes or stuff into a hoagie roll for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tricks That Upgrade Cheesesteak Meatloaf

  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, swiss, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add personal flair to your meatloaf.
  • Prepare the entire meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.
  • Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising texture or taste.
  • Replace some ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers robust Philly cheesesteak flavors and maintains delicious moisture.
  • Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a binding agent, transforming this recipe into a keto-friendly meal that's packed with savory goodness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf blends comfort food with sandwich nostalgia. Savory beef, melted provolone, and bell peppers create a hearty meal satisfying hungry appetites.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 oz (225 g) provolone cheese, sliced (or mozzarella)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsps ketchup (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions, green and red bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil until softened and aromatic, then allow to cool slightly.
  3. Meat Mixture: Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly, then fold in the sautéed vegetable mixture until evenly distributed.
  4. Layering: Create the first meat layer in the prepared pan, strategically placing provolone cheese in the center, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese within.
  5. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
  6. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice precisely. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or nestled in a toasted hoagie roll for a classic Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf experience.

Notes

Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use a combination of ground beef and pork to maintain moisture, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture which can make it tough and dense.

Cheese Distribution Strategy: Layer cheese carefully in the center to create a molten core, ensuring every slice has a gooey, melted provolone surprise without compromising structural integrity.

Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160F, guaranteeing food safety while preventing overcooking that leads to dry, tough meatloaf.

Smart Resting Technique: Allow meatloaf to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner and more manageable, preserving the dish’s succulent texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star