If you’re a fan of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then prepare to be wowed by a new and exciting take on this beloved classic: the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf. This recipe is a delicious fusion of two comfort food favorites – the hearty meatloaf and the rich, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak. Imagine the flavors you love from the classic sandwich – savory beef, melted provolone cheese, sautéed onions, and bell peppers – all wrapped up in a tender, juicy meatloaf. Consequently, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, offering a filling and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
But what makes this recipe truly special? It’s the way it transforms a humble meatloaf into something extraordinary, packed with flavor and oozing with cheese. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or just want to try something different, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about meatloaf. It’s a dish that many of us grew up with, often served as a centerpiece at family dinners. However, traditional meatloaf, while tasty, can sometimes feel a bit dated or uninspired. That’s where this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf comes in. By combining the savory, cheesy flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the classic structure of meatloaf, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy, tender meatloaf with a rich depth of flavor. Moreover, the addition of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: Provolone cheese is the star of the show here, melting beautifully inside the meatloaf and creating a gooey, cheesy layer that’s simply irresistible. Furthermore, the final topping of provolone and mozzarella adds a perfect cheesy crust.
- Vegetable Boost: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if you like) add not only flavor but also a nice texture contrast, making the meatloaf more interesting and nutritious.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors of a cheesesteak are a crowd-pleaser, and it’s an easy way to introduce more veggies into your meals.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes – swap out the cheese, add different herbs, or adjust the vegetables. It’s a flexible dish that can easily be tailored to what you have on hand.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee with this dish!), they reheat beautifully. As a bonus, you can even use the slices in sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch.
The History Behind the Philly Cheesesteak
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of the Philly cheesesteak, the inspiration behind this meatloaf. The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. It was created by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who, one day, decided to grill some beef on his cart. As a result, a cab driver who was passing by was intrigued by the smell and asked for a steak sandwich. Pat’s sandwich quickly became a hit, and soon after, he opened up a shop that specialized in what we now know as the Philly cheesesteak.
The sandwich traditionally consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese, all served on a long hoagie roll. Some variations include mushrooms, bell peppers, or even hot sauce, but the classic version is all about the simplicity of good-quality beef and cheese. Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has become synonymous with comfort food, not just in Philadelphia but across the United States.
By transforming this iconic sandwich into a meatloaf, we’re paying homage to its roots while also creating something new and exciting. It’s a fusion of cultures and flavors, blending the familiarity of a traditional American meatloaf with the bold, rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The success of this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf largely depends on the quality of the ingredients you use. Therefore, let’s break down the key components and what to look for when shopping:
1. Ground Meat
For this recipe, we’re using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The beef provides the rich, meaty flavor that’s essential for a cheesesteak, while the pork adds extra juiciness and tenderness. When choosing ground beef, aim for a ratio of 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). This ensures that your meatloaf will be moist and flavorful without being too greasy. The pork should be similar in fat content, or you can go slightly leaner if you prefer.
2. Vegetables
The classic Philly cheesesteak is known for its sautéed onions and sometimes bell peppers. In this meatloaf, we’re incorporating both green and red bell peppers for their sweetness and vibrant color, along with onions for their savory depth. You can also add mushrooms if you like, which provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the ground meat perfectly. When selecting your vegetables, look for firm, fresh produce without blemishes or soft spots.
3. Cheese
Provolone is the traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak, and it’s perfect for this meatloaf. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey layer inside the meatloaf and a crispy topping on the outside. For the topping, we’re also using mozzarella, which adds a nice stretchy quality when melted. However, you can experiment with other cheeses if you like – cheddar or Swiss would work well too, but provolone really captures the authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
4. Breadcrumbs and Eggs
Breadcrumbs and eggs are essential for binding the meatloaf together, ensuring it holds its shape when sliced. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko for a lighter texture, or even crushed crackers if you’re in a pinch. The eggs add moisture and help the breadcrumbs do their job, creating a tender, cohesive loaf.
5. Seasonings
The seasoning blend in this recipe is simple but effective. Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami flavor that enhances the meat, while garlic, oregano, and thyme provide aromatic notes that complement the cheesesteak flavors. Additionally, don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper – meatloaf can easily become bland without enough seasoning, so taste as you go if possible.
6. Toppings
The final topping of cheese is optional but highly recommended. It adds a beautiful golden crust to the meatloaf and reinforces that cheesy, indulgent experience. You can also top the meatloaf with a mixture of ketchup and beef broth for a more traditional meatloaf finish, which adds a tangy-sweet note and keeps the top nice and moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can shape the meatloaf by hand and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté the vegetables until they’re soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Garlic can become bitter if overcooked, so keep a close eye on it. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the vegetables aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Once the meat mixture is evenly mixed, gently fold in the cooled sautéed vegetables and 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese. The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture, creating pockets of cheesy goodness in every slice.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan or baking sheet. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf, pressing it down gently to ensure it holds together. If you’re using a loaf pan, it should be filled to the top but not overflowing.
Step 5: Bake
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the meat to cook through while developing a flavorful crust on the outside.
Step 6: Add the Topping
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. If you’re using the ketchup and beef broth topping, mix them together and spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt and form a delicious crust as the meatloaf finishes baking.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) to ensure the meat is fully cooked. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – the juices should run clear.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it more tender and flavorful. After it has rested, slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic meatloaf side dish. The rich, buttery potatoes complement the savory meatloaf perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the meatloaf with a medley of roasted vegetables. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips are all great choices.
- Steamed Green Beans: Crisp, steamed green beans add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
- Mac and Cheese: If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, a side of mac and cheese takes this meal to the next level.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
- Garlic Bread: For a real comfort food experience, serve the meatloaf with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra juices.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf more tender.
- Customize Your Cheese: While provolone and mozzarella are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss, or even a smoked gouda could add a new dimension to the dish.
- Meal Prep: This meatloaf is great for meal prep. You can make the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the meatloaf, slice it, and store the slices in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.
- Freeze for Later: This meatloaf also freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods, bringing together the best elements of a Philly cheesesteak and a traditional meatloaf. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite, offering rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and plenty of hearty satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or looking for a dish that’s perfect for leftovers, this meatloaf has you covered.
Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious – and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Related Recipes for a Delicious Meal Experience
For those who enjoyed this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, you might want to try these other recipes on Lia Recipes. They complement this dish perfectly and will round out your meal:
- Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe: If you love the convenience of air frying, this meatloaf recipe offers a quicker, crispy alternative.
- How to Make the Perfect Homemade Chicken Fried Steak: Pair your meatloaf with another comfort food classic for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
