The Art of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Perfection

Vegetable Caramelization

Learning to properly sauté and caramelize peppers and onions until their natural sugars develop brings out sweet, complex flavors that transform from raw bite to mellow richness, creating the authentic Philly cheesesteak taste.

Proper Meat Mixing

Mastering the gentle hand-mixing technique that combines ingredients just until incorporated prevents overworking the meat, which would result in a dense, tough texture instead of tender, juicy slices.

Strategic Layering

Creating distinct layers of meat, cheese, and vegetables ensures every slice showcases the beautiful cross-section of ingredients while preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.

Temperature Control

Understanding when to add the final cheese topping prevents burning while achieving that perfect melted, golden-brown finish that makes the meatloaf visually stunning and irresistibly gooey.

Resting Period

Allowing the finished meatloaf to rest before slicing lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat and the cheese to set slightly, resulting in clean slices that hold together beautifully on the plate.

Master the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Meat Selection: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef will result in a drier meatloaf.

Prevent Sogginess: Make sure to drain excess liquid from the sautéed vegetables before adding them to the meatloaf to prevent a soggy center.

Cheese Options: While provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteak, you can substitute with American cheese, mozzarella, or a combination for different flavor profiles.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.

Freezing Instructions: Wrap cooled, cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 325°F until warmed through.

Even Cooking: Don't pack the meat mixture too tightly or the meatloaf will become dense. Mix gently and press lightly for the best texture.

Vegetable Variations: Add sliced mushrooms to the pepper and onion mixture for a more authentic Philly experience, or use red bell peppers for added sweetness and color.

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with Provolone Cheese, Caramelized Peppers and Onions

Name: Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with Provolone Cheese, Caramelized Peppers and Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatloaf Base:; 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend; 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian seasoned; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Philly Filling:; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Cheese Layer:; 8 slices provolone cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; For Special Equipment:; 9x5 inch loaf pan; Large skillet; Mixing bowls

The ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf featuring tender ground beef, caramelized bell peppers, and sweet onions. This comfort food masterpiece combines the savory richness of classic Philly cheesesteak with the hearty satisfaction of traditional meatloaf, creating an unforgettable family dinner experience that elevates the classic comfort dish to extraordinary heights perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or any time you crave the perfect balance of melted provolone and seasoned beef.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

55 Minutes

Total Time

70 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Meatloaf Base:

2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend

1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian seasoned

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Philly Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large green bell pepper, diced

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Layer:

8 slices provolone cheese, divided

1 cup shredded provolone cheese

For Special Equipment:

9x5 inch loaf pan

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced bell peppers and onions, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even layer that covers the entire bottom.

Layer 4 slices of provolone cheese over the meat, followed by half of the sautéed pepper and onion mixture spread evenly across the cheese.

Add the remaining meat mixture on top, pressing gently to seal the edges and enclose the filling completely. Smooth the top surface.

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F and the meatloaf is set but still moist.

Remove from oven and layer the remaining 4 slices of provolone cheese across the top, followed by the remaining sautéed vegetables and shredded provolone cheese.

Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown in spots.

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.

Slice into thick portions and serve hot, allowing the melted cheese to cascade down the sides of each slice.

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with Provolone Cheese, Caramelized Peppers and Onions

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Perfection

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with Provolone Cheese, Caramelized Peppers and Onions

Ingredients

Instructions