Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: Prepare to have your dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine the iconic flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak – the savory, thinly sliced steak, the gooey melted cheese, the sweet caramelized onions, and the satisfyingly soft roll – all masterfully combined into a comforting and surprisingly easy-to-make meatloaf. It’s a culinary mashup that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

While the traditional meatloaf has its roots in various European cuisines, this particular twist is a modern American invention, born from the desire to enjoy the beloved Philly Cheesesteak in a new and exciting way. The original Philly Cheesesteak, invented in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri in Philadelphia, has become a symbol of the city’s culinary identity. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf pays homage to that legacy while offering a fun and family-friendly alternative.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and provolone cheese creates a symphony of tastes that’s both familiar and exciting. Second, it’s a convenient way to enjoy the essence of a Philly Cheesesteak without the fuss of individual sandwiches. Finally, the meatloaf format makes it perfect for meal prepping and leftovers, ensuring that you can savor the deliciousness for days to come. So, ditch the boring weeknight dinners and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food fusion!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (like Montreal Steak Seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz sliced provolone cheese
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional Toppings:
• Pickled jalapenos, sliced
• Caramelized onions
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This step is crucial because it mellows the harshness of the raw vegetables and infuses the meatloaf with a deeper flavor. Don’t skip it!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Make sure everything is well combined. This mixture will help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. The steak seasoning is key to getting that Philly Cheesesteak flavor, so don’t be shy with it!
4. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooled sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Then, add the ground beef, ground pork, and the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in a tough meatloaf. I like to use my hands for this part because it allows me to feel when everything is evenly distributed without compacting the meat too much.

Assembling the Meatloaf:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal after baking. This is my preferred method because it makes cleanup a breeze!
3. Layer the Meatloaf: Place about half of the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to create an even layer.
4. Add the Cheese Layer: Arrange half of the provolone cheese slices over the meatloaf layer. Make sure the cheese covers as much of the surface as possible. This cheesy layer is what makes this meatloaf truly special!
5. Add the Remaining Meatloaf: Top the cheese layer with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing it down gently to seal the cheese inside.
6. Top with Cheese: Arrange the remaining provolone cheese slices over the top of the meatloaf.

Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The meatloaf should be cooked through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
2. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for our cheese sauce. Cooking the flour removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
2. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
3. Season: Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t boil the cheese sauce! Boiling can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.

Serving the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

1. Slice the Meatloaf: Carefully slice the meatloaf into thick slices.
2. Serve with Cheese Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese sauce over each slice of meatloaf.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with pickled jalapenos, caramelized onions, and chopped parsley, if desired. These toppings add extra flavor and visual appeal.
4. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and comforting Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just meatloaf; it’s a flavor explosion, a comfort food remix, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious package. Seriously, you need this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf in your life. The savory ground beef, the sweet caramelized onions, the melty provolone, and that creamy, dreamy cheese sauce… it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for seconds.

I know what you might be thinking: meatloaf? Really? But trust me on this one. This isn’t your grandma’s dry, bland meatloaf. This is a juicy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible take on a classic, elevated with the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for a weekend gathering.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it sliced on toasted hoagie rolls for a true cheesesteak experience. Or, for a lighter option, try it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Mashed potatoes are always a welcome addition, soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not top it with some crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor?

Looking for variations? Get creative! Add some chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture for a pop of color and sweetness. Swap out the provolone for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Or, if you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the filling. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and it’s a fantastic way to introduce a new twist to a familiar favorite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create delicious and inspiring recipes for you to enjoy.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your masterpiece and tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations and celebrate your success in the kitchen. Happy cooking! Let’s bring the taste of Philly to your dinner table, one delicious slice of meatloaf at a time. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a game changer, and I know you’ll agree.