Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf takes everything you love about the classic sandwich and turns it into a bold, satisfying dinner. Topped with creamy cheese sauce and sautéed onions, it's a flavorful spin on comfort food.

If you're a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, this Philly steak meatloaf is a must-try. It's packed with savory ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, sharp cheddar, and finished with a smooth, melty cheese sauce. I've made this recipe for both family dinners and casual get-togethers, and it's always a hit and surprisingly simple to pull off.

Love a good meatloaf? Don't miss our smoked meatloaf and glazed meatloaf recipes, they're just as satisfying. 

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose fresh ground beef, 85-90% lean, with enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
• Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add classic cheesesteak flavor and texture. 
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
• Ketchup: Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Bread: Soaked in milk to keep the Philly cheese meatloaf tender and moist. Use standard sandwich bread or try our homemade sandwich bread recipe.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the cheese sauce.
• Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and onion powder adds balanced seasoning and depth to the meatloaf and cheese sauce, enhancing the Philly cheesesteak flavor.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Ground turkey or chicken: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing protein.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or crushed gluten-free crackers soaked in milk to make this meatloaf safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Mushroom mix-in: Stir in finely chopped mushrooms with the vegetables for extra moisture and a rich, savory flavor twist. If you love mushrooms, try our chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
• Loaded stuffed meatloaf: Fold in a savory mix of sautéed veggies and cheese inside the meatloaf for a flavorful, melty center.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

To make this Philly cheesesteak meatloaf recipe, first preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. The process is straightforward. Mix the ingredients, bake the loaf, and then top it with a rich cheese sauce and sautéed onions for extra flavor.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: Mix the ground beef, diced onions and bell peppers, shredded cheddar, eggs, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soaked bread cubes, milk, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined-avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.

2. Step 2: Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Topping Vegetables: While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce: Whisk together the milk and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cornstarch and seasonings, then gradually add shredded cheddar, whisking constantly until the sauce is melted and creamy.

5. Step 5: Finish and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and spread the sautéed onions evenly before slicing. Serve with homemade dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you'd like to freeze it, cool the meatloaf completely, then wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For easier thawing, slice the meatloaf before freezing and freeze portions individually.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave on medium power in 30-60 second intervals until warmed through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat gently in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking for fresh, flavorful results.

Serving Suggestions

• Make this meatloaf for a hearty weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering. It pairs well with red skin mashed potatoes or air-fried tater tots.
• It's also a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties, paired with a crowd-pleasing easy mac and cheese or cheesy funeral potatoes.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color.

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