Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

I first stumbled upon this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf recipe while scrolling through Pinterest one evening, and just the thought of it made my mouth water. The idea of combining the gooey, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the hearty comfort of a classic meatloaf felt too good not to try. After a few tweaks in my kitchen, it turned into something truly special—a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s now a regular at my dinner table. The melted provolone, tender beef, and that savory glaze come together in the most satisfying way. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with warmth and makes everyone eager to dig in the moment it comes out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced green pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan lightly with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Layer the Meatloaf

Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan. Place a layer of provolone cheese over it, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the remaining meat mixture on top and press gently to seal the edges, encasing the cheese.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Pour this sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add flavor and help create a delicious glaze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is browned and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Garnish and Serve: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions before serving for color and freshness.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Slice leftovers and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers in a low oven (300°F) or microwave at medium heat until hot. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese smooth.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make Sandwiches: Slice leftovers and layer on toasted bread with onions, peppers, and melted cheese for a quick Philly-style sandwich.

Variations

• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Replace provolone with Swiss cheese and add extra mushrooms.
• Pepper Jack Meatloaf: Use pepper jack cheese and add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the loaf with bacon before baking for added flavor.
• Italian-Style Meatloaf: Use mozzarella and marinara for an Italian-inspired version.
• Tex-Mex Meatloaf: Mix in taco seasoning and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend.

FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey makes a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time slightly since turkey can dry out faster.
2. Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats as a substitute.
3. What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Provolone gives the classic Philly flavor, but mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack also work well.
4. How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and make sure to include milk and breadcrumbs to keep it moist.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the loaf, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. What sides go best with Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad are all great choices.
7. Can I freeze cooked meatloaf?
Yes, wrap cooled slices in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
8. How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
9. Can I make mini versions of this recipe?
Definitely! Use muffin tins for individual servings and reduce bake time to about 25–30 minutes.
10. What sauce can I serve with it?
Besides the baked glaze, try drizzling with steak sauce, barbecue sauce, or creamy garlic aioli.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a comforting, crowd-pleasing twist on two beloved classics. Each bite delivers savory beef, melty cheese, and that signature Philly flavor wrapped in a tender, juicy loaf. It’s easy to make, hearty enough for family dinners, and versatile enough for leftovers or sandwiches the next day. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining friends, this recipe brings all the flavor and warmth of a cheesesteak right to your dinner table—no hoagie roll required!