1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil. Sauté the onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. Alternatively, you can shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet for a more rustic presentation.
3. Bake the Meatloaf
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Toppings:
- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the provolone and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to Oven:
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Prepare the Topping (Optional)
- Sauté the Toppings:
- While the meatloaf is baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Cook until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Optionally, add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve
- Rest the Meatloaf:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Top and Garnish:
- If desired, spoon the sautéed vegetable topping over the meatloaf slices before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
- Meat Mixture: Mixing a bit of ground pork with the beef adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses if you prefer something other than provolone and mozzarella.
- Resting Time: Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures that it holds its shape and isn’t too crumbly.
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf brings the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a hearty meatloaf, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy this unique twist on a classic dish!