Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize. It combines familiar cheesesteak flavors with a crispy baked crust, making it ideal for sharing. It is filling without being heavy and works well for both casual meals and gatherings.
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Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli – Cheesy, Meaty & Easy Baked Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty mozzarella cheesesteak stromboli filled with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and plenty of melted mozzarella, baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 12 oz ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced steak and cook quickly until just browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell pepper and onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook for 30 seconds.
- Roll pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Layer steak, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a border.
- Roll dough tightly into a log and pinch seams to seal. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with parmesan if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Slice steak thinly for the most tender bite.
- You can add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Letting the stromboli rest helps prevent cheese from spilling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough
Pizza dough forms the base of the stromboli. Its elasticity allows it to wrap securely around the filling while baking up golden and crisp on the outside.
Thinly sliced beef steak
Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and stays tender. It provides the savory, meaty foundation of the cheesesteak flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the steak and vegetables, adding richness and preventing sticking during cooking.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth when cooked until soft, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
Green bell pepper
Green bell pepper brings mild bitterness and freshness, a classic element in cheesesteak-style fillings.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall flavor with warmth and aroma, tying the filling together.
Salt
Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balances the richness of the cheese.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella provides the signature melt and stretch, making each slice creamy and satisfying.
Provolone cheese
Provolone adds sharpness and depth, complementing the mozzarella beautifully.
Egg
Egg is used for brushing the dough, helping achieve a glossy, golden crust.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning adds subtle herbal notes that enhance the baked dough and filling.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the sliced beef. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, cooking just until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and green bell pepper until softened. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone evenly over the filling, followed by Italian seasoning.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges tightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. Brush the surface with beaten egg and make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow to rest briefly before slicing.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes.
Cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Total time is around 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the crust.
Variations and Customizations
Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to personal preferences. For a richer flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms to the filling, which pair well with the beef and cheese. I have tried this variation for a dinner gathering, and it added depth without overpowering the dish.
If you prefer a spicier version, sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the filling. For a lighter option, use part-skim cheese and increase the ratio of vegetables to meat. You can also substitute chicken for beef, adjusting seasoning to suit the milder protein.
Cheese combinations can be adjusted as well. A small amount of sharp cheddar can add bite, while smoked mozzarella introduces subtle smokiness. The dough can also be flavored with garlic butter brushed on after baking for extra richness. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to experiment while maintaining its comforting core flavors.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the dough, and fats that contribute to satiety. It is not low-calorie but can be balanced by serving with a fresh salad or vegetables on the side.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cool the Filling
Allow the filling to cool slightly before rolling to prevent soggy dough.
Even Rolling
Roll the stromboli tightly to ensure clean slices after baking.
Cheese Distribution
Spread cheese evenly to avoid pockets of excess moisture.
Golden Finish
An egg wash ensures a professional-looking crust.
FAQs
Can I prepare this stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, it can be assembled and refrigerated before baking.
What cut of beef works best?
Thinly sliced steak such as sirloin or ribeye is ideal.
Can I freeze the stromboli?
Yes, bake first, cool completely, then freeze and reheat in the oven.
Is provolone necessary?
No, it can be replaced with additional mozzarella if preferred.
How do I prevent leaks?
Seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara or garlic butter complement the flavors nicely.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with mushrooms and extra vegetables.
How do I know when it is done?
The crust should be golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Can I add herbs on top?
Yes, dried oregano or parsley works well.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that blends bold flavors with a crisp baked crust. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is a reliable option for both everyday meals and special occasions.
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