Philly Cheese Meatloaf
A flavorful twist on a comfort classic, this Philly Cheese Meatloaf combines ground beef, sautéed peppers, provolone, and mozzarella for a juicy, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
12 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, sautéed onion and pepper mixture, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Assemble the Meatloaf:
- Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan, forming an even base layer. Lay the provolone cheese slices over the meat, slightly overlapping if necessary. Then add the remaining meat mixture on top, carefully shaping and sealing the loaf to encase the cheese in the center.
Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Add the Mozzarella Topping:
- After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps retain the juices and ensures clean slices. Serve warm.
Notes
To Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.