Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf transforms the beloved flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a hearty and delicious meatloaf. Packed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, diced: Adds earthiness and moisture.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped: For aromatic depth.
- 2 pounds ground beef: The base of the meatloaf.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a slight kick.
- 1/2 cup Cheese Whiz (optional): For a gooey, cheesy element.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs): For structure; use gluten-free if needed.
- 4 ounces provolone (optional): Adds a creamy texture and sharp flavor.
- 8 slices provolone: For topping, melting into a delicious crust.
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Cheese Whiz (if using), Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl. If using, cut the 4 ounces of provolone into small pieces and mix into the meatloaf mixture.
- Form and Fill:
- Transfer half of the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing down to create an even layer. If desired, create a shallow well along the center and fill it with additional Cheese Whiz or chopped provolone.
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges and create a uniform loaf.
- Top with Provolone:
- Arrange the slices of provolone cheese on top of the meatloaf, overlapping slightly to cover it completely.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the meatloaf firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Serve:
- Slice the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite salad.
Tips:
- Draining Excess Fat: If there’s a lot of fat in the pan during baking, carefully drain it off midway through cooking to prevent the meatloaf from becoming greasy.
- Customizing: Feel free to customize the meatloaf by adding other ingredients you’d find in a Philly cheesesteak, such as sliced jalapeños for heat or swapping out the cheeses based on preference.
Enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, a comforting and flavorful twist on two classic dishes that’s perfect for any meal.