Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: Prepare to have your weeknight 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 slightly spicy peppers – all masterfully woven into the comforting, familiar form of a meatloaf. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

While the exact origins of the Philly Cheesesteak are well-documented (Pat Olivieri in the 1930s, for those curious!), the meatloaf itself boasts a much longer and more diverse history, with roots stretching back to ancient Roman times. Our modern meatloaf, however, gained popularity during the Great Depression as an affordable and resourceful way to feed families. This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a delicious fusion of these two culinary traditions, bringing together the best of both worlds.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy meatloaf base provides a hearty foundation, while the cheesesteak-inspired toppings deliver that signature savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavor explosion that everyone craves. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can prep it ahead of time, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Get ready to experience a flavor sensation that will have your family begging for more!

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
• Extra provolone slices

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until 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 brings out their sweetness, which will enhance the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk together until well combined. The milk helps to keep the meatloaf moist, while the eggs act as a binder, holding everything together. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth, and the Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the panko breadcrumbs, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients. Mix well. The panko breadcrumbs are preferred over regular breadcrumbs because they are lighter and airier, resulting in a less dense meatloaf. The steak seasoning adds that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
4. Incorporate the Meat and Vegetables: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Add the cooled sautéed vegetables to the mixture and gently fold them in. Even distribution is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Assembling the Meatloaf:

1. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This prevents the meatloaf from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Layer the Meatloaf: Place about half of the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
3. Add the Cheese Layer: Arrange the sliced provolone cheese over the meatloaf layer, covering as much surface area as possible. This cheesy core is what makes this meatloaf truly special and reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak.
4. Top with Remaining Meatloaf: Spread the remaining meatloaf mixture over the cheese layer, pressing it down gently to seal the cheese inside. Smooth 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 is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
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.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce:

1. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is the base of your cheese sauce and helps to thicken it. Make sure to cook the roux long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
3. Season: Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. 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 overheat the sauce, as this 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: Pour the warm cheese sauce over the meatloaf slices.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with pickled jalapenos and/or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can also add extra provolone slices on top before serving.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will result in a tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor.
• Customize the Cheese Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the cheese sauce. Gruyere, pepper jack, or even a little bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the cheese sauce.

Variations:

• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for a mushroom Swiss version. Use Swiss cheese instead of provolone in the meatloaf and cheese sauce.
• Pizza Meatloaf: Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce to the meatloaf for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking for an extra layer of flavor and crispy texture.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just meatloaf; it’s a flavor explosion, a comforting classic reimagined, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Seriously, you need this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf in your life. The juicy, savory meat, the melty cheese, the perfectly caramelized onions and peppers – it all comes together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fun, unexpected twist.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even novice cooks can achieve meatloaf perfection. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies or customize the flavors to your liking. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus for a classic comfort meal. Or, get creative and use it to make amazing Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf sandwiches on toasted hoagie rolls with extra provolone and a drizzle of cheese sauce. You could even crumble it over a bed of lettuce for a hearty and flavorful salad.

Looking for variations? Try adding a touch of heat with some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a richer flavor, incorporate some sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture. If you’re a fan of garlic, don’t be shy – add a few extra cloves! And for a truly authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience, consider using Amoroso’s rolls for your sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!

But don’t just take my word for it. I urge you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf for yourself. It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, or even a casual weeknight meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve sliced with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
* Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches: Slice and serve on toasted hoagie rolls with provolone and cheese sauce.
* Meatloaf Salad: Crumble over lettuce with your favorite toppings.
* Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
* Mushroom Lovers: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture.
* Garlic Galore: Add extra garlic cloves.
* Authentic Philly: Use Amoroso’s rolls for sandwiches.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #PhillyCheesesteakMeatloaf and tag me! Let’s spread the meatloaf love and inspire others to try this amazing dish. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf as much as I do. It’s a true winner!

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