1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will prevent the meatloaf from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Remove the sautéed vegetables from the heat and let them cool slightly before adding them to the meat mixture.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. If the mixture seems a bit dry, you can add the milk to keep it moist.
Add the sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic to the meat mixture and mix everything together using your hands or a large spoon until well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
4. Layer the Meatloaf
Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into the bottom layer of your loaf on the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Press it down lightly to create an even surface.
Now, layer 4-5 slices of provolone cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of the meat layer, covering it completely but leaving a small border around the edges so the cheese doesn’t melt out while baking.
Take the remaining meat mixture and place it over the cheese, pressing gently to seal the edges and form a loaf shape.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The cheese inside should be melty, and the top should have a golden crust.
6. Add the Final Layer of Cheese
Once the meatloaf has cooked through, remove it from the oven and immediately lay the remaining slices of provolone cheese on top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve
Once the cheese is melted, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with a few sides will make the meal even more satisfying. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to this cheesy, savory meatloaf.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasting carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a simple yet delicious side.
- Crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra juices.
- French fries: For a true cheesesteak experience, serve with crispy oven-baked fries.
If you have leftovers, this meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches. Just slice it up and layer it between toasted buns with extra cheese, and you’ve got a Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich!
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavors. By taking the iconic elements of a Philly cheesesteak—tender meat, sautéed onions and peppers, and plenty of cheese—and baking them into a juicy meatloaf, you get the best of both worlds. The melty provolone inside and on top ensures that every bite is cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
It’s an ideal meal for a cozy family dinner, a game day feast, or even meal prepping for the week. And because it’s so hearty and flavorful, you can be sure that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Enjoy!