This Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a fun twist on two classic favorites mashed into one delicious dish. It’s packed with tender, juicy beef, melted cheese, and all those great Philly cheesesteak flavors you love—think sautéed peppers, onions, and a ton of gooey cheese throughout. Every bite is comforting and full of that crave-worthy taste we can’t get enough of.
I love making this meatloaf when I want something hearty but a little different than the usual. It’s super easy to whip up, and the cheesy middle surprise always gets a big “wow” from everyone at the table. One little tip I’ve learned is to not skip the sautéed veggies before mixing everything together—they add so much flavor and make the meatloaf extra juicy.
My favorite way to serve this is with a simple side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance all the rich, cheesy goodness. If you’re a Philly cheesesteak fan or just love a good, cheesy comfort meal, I think you’ll really enjoy this recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner that always hits the spot on busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using 80/20 beef is perfect here for juicy meatloaf. Leaner beef can get dry, so keep some fat for moisture. If you prefer, mix half ground beef and half ground pork for added flavor.
Bell peppers and onions: These give the Philly cheesesteak its signature taste. I like red and green peppers for color, but you can use just one if that’s what you have.
Provolone cheese: This is the star cheese of a Philly cheesesteak. Mozzarella and cheddar add a nice cheese blend for gooey texture. Try fontina or Monterey Jack if you need alternatives.
Breadcrumbs and milk: These help keep the meatloaf tender. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Milk can be swapped with almond or oat milk if you avoid dairy.
How Do You Keep Meatloaf Tender and Juicy?
Meatloaf sometimes dries out, but a few simple steps help with a tender result.
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine your ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
- Use fat-rich beef: 80/20 ratio means enough fat for moisture.
- Sauté veggies first: Cooking onions and peppers softens them and adds moisture.
- Add milk and breadcrumbs: These soak up juices and keep things tender.
- Rest before slicing: Letting meatloaf rest for 10 minutes helps the juices redistribute, so it won’t fall apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Loaf pan or baking sheet – shapes the meatloaf nicely and catches drips during baking.
- Large mixing bowl – makes mixing ingredients easy without mess.
- Skillet – perfect for sautéing the peppers, onions, and garlic to bring out great flavor.
- Meat thermometer – helps you cook the meatloaf perfectly without drying it out.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping vegetables finely and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter meatloaf that’s still tasty.
- Add mushrooms with the peppers and onions for extra earthiness and moisture.
- Use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of provolone to give it a little heat.
- Mix in chopped fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal twist if you want a flavor change.
How to Make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf, Tender, Juicy, and Loaded with Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (reserve some for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to set aside about 10 minutes to let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sauté the Veggies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until nice and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the veggies cool slightly.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently but thoroughly just until everything comes together — avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Add Veggies and Cheeses:
Fold the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheeses (provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar) into the meat mixture. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.
4. Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. If you reserved some provolone cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top for a melty, golden cheese crust. Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier without falling apart. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For extra yum, drizzle with melted cheese or your favorite gravy.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Meatloaf?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before starting. This helps ensure even mixing and proper cooking.
Can I Make Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaf a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist and tasty.
What Can I Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables—something fresh to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
