Philly Cheese Steak Meatloaf

Philly Cheese Steak Meatloaf is a delicious mashup of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and traditional meatloaf, combining seasoned ground beef with sautéed onions, peppers, and gooey cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup milk (to moisten the mixture)

For the Topping:

  • 4-6 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (for brushing on top, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Cook the Onions, Peppers, and Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, thyme, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

4. Shape the Meatloaf:

  1. Form the Meatloaf: On a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Make sure it’s evenly packed but not too tightly compressed.
  2. Optional Ketchup Topping: Brush a thin layer of ketchup over the top for added flavor and moisture.

5. Bake the Meatloaf:

  1. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  2. Add the Cheese: In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and lay the provolone or mozzarella cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve:

  1. Let It Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf tender and juicy.
  2. Serve: Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a hearty meal.

Tips and Variations:

  • Cheese Options: Use provolone, mozzarella, or even Cheez Whiz for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
  • Add Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms on your cheesesteak, sauté and add them to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor.
  • Sandwich Option: Slice leftovers and serve them on hoagie rolls for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich!

This Philly Cheese Steak Meatloaf is a fun and hearty twist on two beloved classics, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The gooey cheese and sautéed veggies make each bite flavorful and satisfying!