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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground sausage, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the sautéed onions and peppers, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the cheese: Gently fold in the shredded provolone cheese into the meat mixture. The cheese will melt during cooking, making the meatloaf extra cheesy and delicious.
- Form the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and form it into a loaf shape. Press it down lightly to ensure it’s even.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You may want to drain off any excess fat halfway through cooking to keep the meatloaf from getting greasy.
4. Sauté the Topping Vegetables:
While the meatloaf is baking, sauté the onion and bell pepper for the topping. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers and cook until they’re soft and beginning to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. Add beef broth and soy sauce (if using) for a bit of extra flavor, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
5. Add the Cheese Topping:
Once the meatloaf is finished baking, remove it from the oven and top with the sautéed onions and peppers, followed by the remaining shredded provolone cheese. Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Make the Sauce (Optional but Delicious!):
While the meatloaf is finishing up in the oven, you can make the optional sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). This creamy sauce adds a nice tangy kick that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cheesesteak meatloaf.
7. Serve:
Once the meatloaf is out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the meatloaf hold its shape and makes it easier to cut. Serve with the tangy sauce on the side, or drizzle it over the meatloaf before serving.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- All the Flavors You Love: This dish combines the cheesy, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the hearty, comforting texture of a meatloaf. Every bite is a flavor explosion of melted cheese, sautéed peppers, onions, and savory beef.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have a flavorful, filling dinner on the table in about an hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is sure to be a hit. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone, from meatloaf lovers to Philly cheesesteak fans.
- Customizable: Like a traditional cheesesteak, this recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to swap out the provolone for your favorite cheese, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or even jalapeños for some heat.
- Leftovers Taste Even Better: This meatloaf makes great leftovers, and the flavors tend to meld even more overnight. You can slice it and reheat it for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Use a mix of meats: For the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf, combine ground beef with a little bit of ground sausage. The sausage adds richness and flavor, giving the meatloaf a deeper taste.
- Don’t skip the cheese: The shredded provolone cheese inside the meatloaf is key to getting that gooey, cheesy texture that makes this dish so delicious. If you’re a fan of extra cheese, feel free to add more to the inside or top of the meatloaf.
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, so the meatloaf stays moist and doesn’t fall apart when sliced.
- Customize the vegetables: While onions and peppers are traditional in a Philly cheesesteak, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it in advance: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day for an even easier dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the meatloaf with roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious, healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
- Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the meatloaf.
- Fries: For the ultimate Philly cheesesteak experience, pair this meatloaf with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes two beloved comfort foods and combines them into one amazing dish. With juicy beef, melted cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and a savory sauce, this recipe brings all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into the familiar, hearty form of meatloaf. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fun twist on a classic, this dish is sure to impress.
Get ready to enjoy the ultimate mash-up of savory, cheesy, and delicious with this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf—it’s a meal that everyone will love!
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