Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Alert

Instructions: How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies In a small skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.

Step 4: Add the Sautéed Veggies and Cheese Once the sautéed peppers and onions have cooled slightly, add them to the meat mixture along with the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine, making sure the cheese and veggies are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish and form it into a loaf shape. Make sure the loaf is evenly shaped so it cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can also form it into a free-standing loaf on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, top the meatloaf with the additional shredded provolone cheese, allowing it to melt and form a cheesy crust.

Step 7: Optional Topping For extra cheesesteak flair, you can sauté more bell peppers and onions and place them on top of the melted cheese. If you prefer a more traditional meatloaf finish, drizzle some ketchup over the top before adding the cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite!

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

• Use Quality Meat: The flavor and texture of your meatloaf depend on the quality of the meat. Ground beef with a bit of fat (around 80/20) will give you the best flavor and moisture.
• Cheese Choices: While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or even a sharp blue cheese for added flavor.
• Sauté the Veggies: Sautéing the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the meat mixture enhances their flavor and helps them blend better into the meatloaf.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Freezer-Friendly: This Philly cheesesteak meatloaf can be frozen both before and after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for easy storage.

Variations of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, try using plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Mini Meatloaf Muffins: Make individual servings by dividing the meat mixture into a muffin tin. These mini meatloafs are perfect for meal prepping or serving at a party.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Turn your Philly cheesesteak meatloaf into sliders by slicing it into small portions and placing them in slider buns with additional cheese and sautéed veggies.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods—meatloaf and Philly cheesesteaks. With its tender beef, savory peppers and onions, and gooey cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether served with mashed potatoes, on its own, or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your family or guests. Try it today and discover how this savory meatloaf turns into a delightful twist on a Philly favorite!