Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Introduction:

Elevate the classic meatloaf into a culinary masterpiece with Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf—a flavorful fusion of two beloved comfort foods. This unique dish combines the hearty goodness of traditional meatloaf with the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, resulting in a succulent and indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Join us as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips to create your very own Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf—a delicious twist that captures the essence of both comfort and innovation.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheesesteak Filling:

• 1 cup thinly sliced beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup sliced green bell pepper
• 1 cup provolone or cheese whiz, shredded or melted

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 2: Shaping the Meatloaf

1. Place half of the meatloaf mixture in a greased loaf pan, pressing it down to form an even layer.

Step 3: Adding the Cheesesteak Filling

1. In a skillet, sauté the thinly sliced beef steak, sliced mushrooms, sliced onions, and sliced green bell pepper until the vegetables are tender and the steak is cooked to your liking.
2. Spread half of the provolone cheese (or melted cheese whiz) over the first layer of meatloaf in the pan.
3. Spoon the cooked cheesesteak mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Layering the Rest of the Meatloaf

1. Place the remaining meatloaf mixture over the cheesesteak filling, pressing it down gently to encase the filling.

Step 5: Creating the Topping

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Spread the ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6: Baking the Meatloaf

1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Adding the Final Cheese Layer

1. Sprinkle the remaining shredded provolone cheese (or drizzle melted cheese whiz) over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Resting and Serving

1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf slices with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:

1. Choose quality steak: Use thinly sliced beef steak, such as ribeye or sirloin, for the best cheesesteak flavor.
2. Customize the cheese: Provolone and cheese whiz are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties based on your preference.
3. Play with toppings: Feel free to add sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms as toppings for an extra Philly cheesesteak touch.
4. Keep the meatloaf moist: Don’t overwork the meat mixture and ensure not to overbake to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
5. Test the doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it’s properly cooked.

Conclusion:

Experience a mouthwatering fusion of comfort with Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf—a savory masterpiece that combines the best of two culinary worlds. From the seasoned meatloaf layers to the rich cheesesteak filling, each bite offers a symphony of flavors that celebrates innovation while staying true to the warmth of classic comfort food. Whether served for a family dinner or as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a captivating and indulgent dish that brings a creative twist to your dining table.