Sink your teeth into the irresistible comfort of the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe, a playful twist on a classic beloved by sandwich and appetizer lovers alike. This recipe combines juicy, flavor-packed meatballs bursting with all the savory notes of Philly cheesesteak—think tender beef, sweet-tangy peppers, and gooey provolone—topped off by a luscious cheese sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve these for game day, family night, or a cozy gathering, every bite brings you a taste of Philadelphia’s culinary magic in a snackable, shareable form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Surprisingly, you only need a handful of everyday staples to bring this dish to life, but each plays a starring role in building the bold, craveable flavors and irresistible textures of your Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe. Every ingredient enhances the authenticity, making every bite sing with cheesesteak nostalgia.
- Ground beef: Delivers that meaty, beefy foundation Philly cheesesteaks are famous for.
- Ground pork: Adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness, helping to keep the meatballs tender.
- Yellow onion: Brings mellow, aromatic sweetness that melds beautifully with the meat and peppers.
- Green bell pepper: Adds signature cheesesteak color, crunch, and a touch of grassy tang.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with robust, mouthwatering depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Layers in umami for that big, hearty flavor every cheesesteak needs.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Give an extra punch of flavor—think of them as the backup singers.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Melts inside the meatballs for creaminess and pulls in that classic cheese flavor.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them wonderfully moist.
- Large egg: Essential to help everything stick together as the meatballs bake.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to silky-soft perfection before mixing them in.
- Butter (for cheese sauce): Start your sauce with rich, creamy flavor.
- All-purpose flour (for cheese sauce): Helps thicken the cheese sauce so it clings to every meatball.
- Whole milk (for cheese sauce): Creates a luscious, velvety base for melting the cheese.
- Provolone or white American cheese (for cheese sauce): Velvet-smooth melt and unmistakable Philly flavor.
- Salt (for cheese sauce): Season to taste so the sauce truly shines.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they’re soft and their aroma fills your kitchen—about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds more. This quick sauté draws out sweetness and ensures your vegetables meld smoothly into every bite of the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool a bit before mixing it with the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork, then add the cooled sautéed veggies. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, shredded provolone, breadcrumbs, and crack in that large egg. Gently mix everything with your hands or a fork just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—handling the mixture gently will keep your Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe moist and tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should end up with about 20 meatballs in total. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes. They’ll turn lightly golden on the outside and stay juicy inside. This baking method seals in all those classic cheesesteak flavors for the best Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe experience.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce
As the meatballs bake, get your cheese sauce going! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute—it should bubble but not brown—then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, then add shredded provolone or white American cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and silky. Taste and season with salt.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the warm meatballs on a serving platter and generously drizzle with cheese sauce. For that extra wow-factor, top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few extra sautéed peppers and onions if you have some left over. Serve immediately and enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch of freshly chopped parsley adds both vibrant color and a little flash of freshness. If you’re feeling extra, scatter more sautéed green peppers and onions over the top for the full Philly effect—and maybe an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese just before serving. These simple garnishes transform your Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe from delicious to outright irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pairing matters! These meatballs shine with a side of crispy fries or potato wedges, just like a true Philly cheesesteak. They’re also perfect alongside a zesty green salad or even nestled inside hoagie rolls for an epic meatball sub. Guests will adore the contrast of creamy cheese sauce, juicy meatballs, and crunchy, fresh veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the platter: Try serving your Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe on mini skewers for a party-perfect appetizer, tucked into slider buns for bite-size sandwiches, or layered over roasted potatoes. They’re even magic in a bowl with extra cheese sauce for dipping—dunk to your heart’s content!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover meatballs (lucky you!), transfer them—and any remaining cheese sauce—to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making your Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe even tastier the next day. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled meatballs (without sauce) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The meatballs will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Freeze the cheese sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. When you crave a cheesesteak fix, you’ll have a quick, homemade option on hand!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a microwave or oven until heated through. For the cheese sauce, reheat over low heat on the stovetop, whisking vigorously with a little extra milk to restore that creamy, pourable texture. Assemble and serve as fresh as ever!
FAQs
Can I use just ground beef instead of mixing with pork?
Absolutely! While the blend of ground beef and pork in the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe adds juiciness and depth, all beef works just fine if that’s what you have. Just make sure not to overcook, as beef-only meatballs can dry out a bit more quickly.
What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
Classic provolone or white American cheese will both give you that iconic, melty Philly cheesesteak taste. Provolone is a tad sharper and more traditional, while white American cheese melts ultra-smooth and creamy. Go with what you love, or use a blend for extra richness!
Can these meatballs be made gluten-free?
Yes, they’re easy to adapt! Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the sauce to enjoy a gluten-free Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe without any compromise in flavor or texture.
How can I serve these as a main course?
Pile a generous helping of meatballs onto toasted hoagie rolls, drape with lots of cheese sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate Philly cheesesteak meatball sub! They’re also delicious on top of pasta or even with a hefty side of garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You bet! Prepare the cheese sauce up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, whisking until smooth before pouring over your freshly warmed Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you love all things cheesy, savory, and satisfying, you’re going to fall in love with this Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe. It’s an all-star crowd-pleaser that brings the heart of Philly right to your table, one extra-juicy bite at a time. Give it a try, and prepare to wow both friends and family—you might never look at cheesesteaks the same way again!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (4 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. Juicy meatballs packed with savory flavors, topped with a gooey cheese sauce, and perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Main Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone or white American cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Let cool.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Combine beef, pork, sautéed veggies, seasonings, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Simmer until thickened, then add cheese and salt.
- Serve: Drizzle warm meatballs with cheese sauce and garnish as desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
- For an authentic touch, serve in hoagie rolls for a meatball sub experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
